Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Josiah Dominguez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Josiah Dominguez is a student at Arvada K-8 School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Josiah Dominguez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Josiah Dominguez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Juan Flores for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Juan Flores is a student at Jefferson High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Juan Flores is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Juan Flores for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Makhmud Chariev for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Makhmud Chariev is a student at Standley Lake High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Makhmud Chariev is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Makhmud Chariev for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Clark for his leadership, vision and lasting impact on Denver and Colorado as the CEO of the Metro Economic Development Corporation and Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

With more than 30 years of economic development experience at the state, regional, county and city level, Tom's unique perspective and wealth of knowledge is unparalleled. Tom's career spans four decades from Director of Commercial and Industrial Development for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, through positions with the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Denver Corporation, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson Economic Council, and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Tom was the founder and first president of the Metro Denver Network, the Metro Denver region's first economic development program, for which he received the Arthur D. Little Award for Excellence in Economic Development. In 2012, Tom was recognized as the Denver Post's Business Person of the Year as well as awarded the Denver Business Journal's Power Book Award for Economic Development and Government. He has also been recognized as one of the nation's top economic development professionals by the Council on Urban Economic Development.

I extend my deepest appreciation for Tom and his dedication to our great state, and wish him the best of luck in retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud William Corona for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

William Corona is a student at Arvada K-8 School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by William Corona is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to William Corona for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, on May 16, 2017, I was not present to vote on H.R. 1616, the Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present for roll call No. 258, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Clark for his leadership, vision and lasting impact on Denver and Colorado as the CEO of the Metro Economic Development Corporation and Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

With more than 30 years of economic development experience at the state, regional, county and city level, Tom's unique perspective and wealth of knowledge is unparalleled. Tom's career spans four decades from Director of Commercial and Industrial Development for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, through positions with the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Denver Corporation, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson Economic Council, and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Tom was the founder and first president of the Metro Denver Network, the Metro Denver region's first economic development program, for which he received the Arthur D. Little Award for Excellence in Economic Development. In 2012, Tom was recognized as the Denver Post's Business Person of the Year as well as awarded the Denver Business Journal's Power Book Award for Economic Development and Government. He has also been recognized as one of the nation's top economic development professionals by the Council on Urban Economic Development.

I extend my deepest appreciation for Tom and his dedication to our great state, and wish him the best of luck in retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Reina Bautista for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Reina Bautista is a 10th grader at Eagle Ridge Academy and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Reina Bautista is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Reina Bautista for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Zaira Garcia De La Cueva for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Zaira Garcia De La Cueva is an 11th grader at Northglenn High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Zaira Garcia De La Cueva is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Zaira Garcia De La Cueva for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Bill Orchard, Rebel Rodriguez, Ranger and Dot Miller, Ron Slinger, Bob Dyer, Andrew Heesaker, Jill Hartmann and Maddie Schmidt for being honored by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce for their service and dedication to the community.

Man of the Year Bill Orchard: The Man of the Year Award is a long standing tradition in Arvada recognizing an outstanding man for his amazing community involvement, generosity and overall impact on Arvada. Bill Orchard is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his years of dedication and support of the community through Arvada Gardener's, Arvada Festivals Commission, Bike Friendly Arvada and much more.

Woman of the Year Rebel Rodriguez: The Woman of the Year Award is a long standing tradition in Arvada recognizing an outstanding woman for her amazing community involvement, generosity and overall impact on Arvada. Rebel Rodriguez is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for her years of dedication and volunteerism serving children at Ralston House and supporting homelessness efforts in Olde Town Arvada.

Image Award Ranger and Dot Miller: Image Award winners are selected for their commitment to Arvada and the overall positive image they portray within the community. Ranger and Dot Miller are being honored by the Arvada Chamber for their commitment to Arvada through their outstanding community leadership and volunteerism with countless organizations including Jefferson County Business Education Alliance, Arvada Vitality Alliance and Blues and BBQ for Better Housing.

Image Award Ron Slinger: Image Award winners are selected for their commitment to Arvada and the overall positive image they portray within the community. Ron Slinger is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his commitment to Arvada through his engagement with countless organizations including Arvada Vitality Alliance, AWRSAY, Red Rocks Community College, Arvada Chamber of Commerce and many more.

Pioneer Award Bob Dyer: The Pioneer Award is given to an exceptional leader in the community who has served Arvada for many years and contributed in ways that are unprecedented. This award is only given as needed and is regarded with the highest level of accolades for the recipient's accomplishments. Bob Dyer is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his incredible commitment to Arvada through civic and community leadership with the City of Arvada, Arvada Vitality Alliance, The Arvada Center For The Arts and Humanities, The Arvada Chamber of Commerce and much more.

AYP Leadership Award Andrew Heesaker: The AYP Leadership Award is based on the selected individuals innovation, entrepreneurship, professional accomplishments and/or community leadership. Andrew Heesaker is being honored by the Arvada Chamber for his extraordinary leadership and volunteerism with organizations including Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada Young Professionals and Arvada Economic Development Association. Andrew also works with countless local non-profit organizations to support their events and efforts through Arvada Rent Alls.

AYP Leadership Award Jill Hartmann: The AYP Leadership Award is based on the selected individuals innovation, entrepreneurship, professional accomplishments and/or community leadership. Jill Hartman is being honored for her willingness to contribute to her community and provide exceptional Leadership within

the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, Arvada Young Professionals and at Jefferson Center For Mental Health.

Rising Star Award Maddie Schmidt: Each year the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the Arvada Young Professionals select a High School student who lives or attends school in Arvada who has exemplified extraordinary skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, community impact and leadership. Maddie Schmidt is being honored for her incredible involvement at Pomona High School and in her community through Westminster Youth Advisory panel, Denver Homeless Shelter, Baton Twirling and the Executive High School Internship Program.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Bill Orchard, Rebel Rodriguez, Ranger and Dot Miller, Ron Slinger, Bob Dyer, Andrew Heesaker, Jill Hartmann and Maddie Schmidt for these well-deserved honors by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and their outstanding commitment to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Stacey Tejada-Sandoval for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Stacey Tejada-Sandoval is an 8th grader at Shaw Heights Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Stacey Tejada-Sandoval is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Stacey Tejada-Sandoval for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jordyn Ashburn for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Jordyn Ashburn is a 9th grader at Mapleton Early College High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Jordyn Ashburn is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jordyn Ashburn for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Maria Alejandra Frayre for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Maria Alejandra Frayre is a 12th grader at Aurora West College Prep Academy and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Maria Alejandra Frayre is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Maria Alejandra Frayre for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Mikah Vega for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Mikah Vega is a 12th grader at Mountain Range High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Mikah Vega is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Mikah Vega for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Nicole Wickersheim for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Nicole Wickersheim is a 12th grader at Adams City High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Nicole Wickersheim is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Nicole Wickersheim for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.