Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sashco, Inc. for receiving the 2017 Commerce City Business on the Move Award.

The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales, or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Founded in 1936, Sashco is a third generation family- owned company that has been an innovator in the sealants and caulking manufacturing industry for decades. Founded by Don Burch, the company has continued to grow while adapting to various improvements and innovations such as the first flexible caulking material and caulking gun as well as AcryColor and Lexel, the first clear sealant in a clear cartridge.

Sashco has been in Commerce City for thirty years and today employs 106 people, 15 of

whom were added in 2016. Sashco is very involved in the community. Most recently, they hosted students from local high schools to show them their facilities and product development lab during the Small Business Associations Manufacturing Week in May 2016.

I extend my deepest congratulations to the Sashco, Inc. for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud United Power, Inc. for receiving the 2017 Economic Development Award for Leadership.

The Economic Development Award for Leadership honors a business or individual that has been a catalyst for economic vitality in Commerce City through creative leadership, innovation, facilitation, collaboration or through contribution of resources. United Power is a community-based, progressive utility cooperative serving 900 square miles along the north central range of the Colorado Rockies. The company has an electric franchise agreement with Commerce City to provide service to the city's growth areas in the northeast. United Power's capital investment in Commerce City includes a Reunion Substation with 37.5MVA (mega volt amp) transformer that is designed to support future expansion.

In addition, United Power provides monetary and volunteer support for community events, non-profit organizations, service groups and chambers. United Power also has a charitable foundation that offers direct grants for 501(c)3 organizations that provide services to United Power members. Employees at United Power also sit on numerous boards.

I extend my deepest congratulations to United Power, Inc. for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 2017 International Women's Day as this is an important time to celebrate women and the great strides made with gender equality. Today is an opportunity to highlight the tremendous accomplishments of women all over the world for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political who pave the way for our future generation.

Women's rights are an important issue for our country. As a father of daughters, I value the contributions women make to our country and our communities. That is why I voted for both the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 to help close the gender gap that currently exists between men and women. We must work to ensure equal pay for equal work and support women and their families in the workplace and at home. On a global scale, the United Nation's Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is working to ensure the rights of women in every country I support these efforts and all efforts to ensure women are treated equally across our country and the world.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all attendees today for recognizing the contributions of women around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jack Ethredge and his 32-year tenure as City Manager with the City of Thornton in Colorado.

Jack Ethredge began serving as City Manager in January 1985 and served in that capacity until his retirement in March 2017. During his tenure, Jack oversaw the construction of many large-scale projects and helped improve the collaboration between City Council and staff to implement Thornton's vision and overall growth of the city.

Specifically, Jack spearheaded several intergovernmental agreements with surrounding cities and school districts, including an agreement with the City of Westminster, which was the first of its kind in Colorado. These agreements helped better coordinate planning in terms of costs, revenue and future growth areas among Thornton's neighboring communities.

In addition, these agreements helped make Thornton's city services more efficient and cost-effective including snow and ice control removal on shared streets, special transit services for seniors and low-moderate income residents, and coordination of transportation planning. The Denver Regional Council of Governments and the Colorado Municipal League have recognized several of these programs virtually every year since 1986.

Jack's vision, leadership, and commitment to public service and his local community has been recognized by a wide variety of organizations and awards including: Metro North Chamber of Commerce's Economic Developer of the Year; Denver Federal Executive Board's Distinguished Local Government Award; and 1986 Man of the Year by the Northglenn- Thornton Sentinel.

I extend my deepest appreciation to Jack Ethredge for his service and commitment to the City of Thornton and I wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ardent Mills for receiving the 2017 Commerce City Business of the Year Award.

The Business of the Year Award is given to a Commerce City company with a pioneer spirit that has shown a history of leadership within its industry and the community. Ardent Mills is the independent joint venture of Cargill, ConAgra and Horizon Milling. The company offers a broad range of flours, mixes, blends, and specialty products along with technical support, customer service and the supply assurance of a coast-to-coast network. Ardent Mills operates a network of more than forty community flour mills and bakery mix facilities in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, including one in Commerce City.

Ardent Mills aims to nurture customers and communities with its innovative grain-based

solutions in order to create a positive impact with employees, customers, communities and partners. In honor of their 80th anniversary in Commerce City, Ardent Mills hosted its first Community Day in May 2016 and hosted mill tours and demonstrations to show their appreciation to local farmers and customers. Ardent Mills' employees donate their time at the Food Bank of the Rockies and Kids First of Commerce City as well as contributing flour donations to organizations in and around Commerce City.

I extend my deepest congratulations to the Ardent Mills for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Birko Corporation for receiving the 2017 Commerce City Business on the Move Award.

The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales, or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Birko Corporation is a female-owned business that manufactures more than 400 concentrated food safety solutions and provides safe chemical formulations, state-of-the-art harvest and dispensing equipment, servicing capabilities, and integrated IT solutions for beef, poultry, pork, produce and brewery applications.

Birko Corporation has been in Commerce City for 25 years, growing their workforce by 10 percent in 2016. Birko is also heavily involved in community service both locally and nationally. Their fundraising efforts include donations to the American Red Cross, Girls on the Run of the Rockies, and several scholarship funds for college students.

I extend my deepest congratulations to the Birko Corporation for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Asahi Food, Inc. for receiving the 2017 Business on the Move Award.

The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses bringing new employment, growth in sales, or new capital investment to the city in the last year. Asahi Food was founded six years ago in Commerce City by Owner and President, Paul Guan. The business began with one client, Hapa Sushi in Denver, and today is a leading seafood supplier, delivering fresh-cut fish for more than 200 restaurants in Colorado and surrounding states. Their General Manager is Charlene Thai, founder of the Asian Restaurant Association.

Asahi Food is also extremely involved in the community and is an active member of the Takayama Sister Cities organization, Japan American Society of Colorado, and other Japanese community groups. They are also active with the local Chinese and Taiwanese communities.

I extend my deepest congratulations to the Asahi Food, Inc. for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman, and I hope I don't take 5 minutes.

I rise today in support of S. 442, the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017.

I have long been a supporter of our Nation's space program. I have seen what we can accomplish when we put our best and brightest in a room together and give them the resources they need to solve tough scientific, engineering, and mathematical problems to better our society and our understanding of the solar system and beyond.

The bill before us today ensures the hardworking people at NASA and the thousands of private aerospace workers in Colorado and across the country have a constant sea of purpose and the backing of Congress to continue advancing our quest to understand our planet and explore other celestial bodies.

Mr. Speaker, I enjoy serving on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. While we may not agree on every issue, when it comes to our space programs, we come together and find the best solutions to the problems we face, and this bill does exactly that.

As my colleagues on this committee know, I am very passionate about getting our astronauts to the surface of Mars. This bill will require detailed plans from NASA on how to do that and, more importantly, on the timelines so that we can get to Mars through the development of a human exploration roadmap.

In addition to this roadmap, section 435 of the bill also requires NASA to report back on the feasibility of a human mission to Mars by the year 2033. Sixteen years from now, Earth and Mars will be aligned for what could be the most significant and inspirational journey in history.

About 18 months ago, our committee heard testimony from former NASA leadership about our deep space exploration missions. I asked them to provide us a date: When can we get to Mars? As it turns out, the planets' orbit and alignment in 2033 is optimal. So as my colleagues on the committee know, I have prepared a bumper sticker, Mr. Speaker, just for you, showing 2033 as the time we are going to get our astronauts to Mars.

I thank Chairman Smith, Representative Babin, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, as well as Representative Bera for allowing me to work and to help put section 435 into the bill.

I know we can do this. This is a mission that all Americans will be proud of. They are so proud of our space program, the scientists and engineers at NASA. This will give us a real goal and a real project to get our astronauts to Mars by 2033.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize KeyBank for being honored as the Large Business of the Year by the West Chamber of Commerce.

KeyBank is a valuable community partner across the Denver Metro area and in Jefferson County. In Colorado, KeyBank has 700 employees, 61 branches and gives generously to more than 50 community partners every year in support of education, workforce development and advancing economic inclusion through building stronger neighborhoods and communities.

For the past two years, KeyBank has sponsored the ``Launch'' program for the Jefferson County Business Resource Center. Through this sponsorship, KeyBank plays an important role in helping local entrepreneurs create business plans and develop the skills they need to start a small business.

In addition to supporting local entrepreneurs through the ``Launch'' program, KeyBank also plays an important role in funding small businesses in Jefferson County. KeyBank has provided small business loans to numerous local entrepreneurs, which have helped them acquire other businesses, purchase real estate or grow their businesses in a variety of ways.

I extend my deepest congratulations to KeyBank for this well- deserved honor from the West Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Private First Class Buford Johnson, a World War II Army veteran for his service to our country.

Buford Johnson served in the United States Army from June 1943 to September 1945. During this time, he served as a half-track driver, gunner driver and a convoy driver. On August 10, 1944, Buford was deployed to the United Kingdom where he and his company crossed the English Channel and landed in France. Buford and his company were on the beach for three days and three nights, marched by foot, traveled by train, and finally arrived at their trucks. After driving more than 40 miles to deliver their supplies, they then marched seven miles over the mountains of France to the front lines.

Buford served in France, Germany, Normandy, and Northern France in the 5th Division, 3rd Army under the command of General George Patton during the Battle of the Bulge. On November 10, 1944, Buford was injured by a piece of shrapnel which hit below his knee. After receiving battlefield care, he returned to fighting on the front lines. His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (with 3 bronze service stars), World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Combat Infantryman Badge, 1st Award, Marksman Badge-- Expert, Sharpshooter with the Marksman Clasp, and the WWII Honorable Service Lapel Pin.

After Buford returned home, he worked in both Wyoming and Montana as a ranch hand performing jobs including fence mending, cattle herding and irrigation work for 40 years. Seventeen years ago, Buford moved to Denver where he now lives with his daughter, Darlene, and son-in-law, Vincent.

I extend my deepest appreciation to Private First Class Buford Johnson for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Abo Group, Inc. for

being honored as the Minority-Owned Business of the Year by the West Chamber of Commerce.

The Abo Group is a full service architectural firm providing design, project management, construction documentation and administration, historic preservation, space planning, master planning and facility assessments. Earning wide recognition for sustainable design, the firm incorporates the highest possible energy efficiency technologies in their designs.

For more than 20 years, The Abo Group has designed highly specialized laboratories to meet LEED ``Gold'' standards at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, CO. In 1999, the Thermal Test Facility at NREL won the ASHRAE Award of Excellence for Energy Efficient Design. The firm has also completed a Master Plan for the ultimate buildout of NREL's South Table Mountain Campus in Golden.

I extend my deepest congratulations to The Abo Group for this well- deserved honor from the West Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim and Kathleen Curtis for being honored by the West Chamber of Commerce with the Steve Burkholder Diamond Legacy Award.

Both Colorado natives, Jim and Kathleen (Kate) met at Colorado National Bank and went on to marry in 1972. After leaving the bank in 1994, the couple purchased The Village Roaster, a specialty coffee business in Lakewood. At the time, it was the only store in the Colorado area that roasted specialty coffee in-house. Today that tradition continues with roasted whole bean coffee as their number one selling product. They also provide catering services and have a mobile espresso bar they can set up for any type of event in the Denver metro area. In addition, The Village Roaster strives to make sustainability a focus and preserving the environment a priority.

Jim and Kate support the community that supports them. Jim served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the West Chamber in 2013, is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Lakewood, is a sponsor for the Catch a Calf program with the National Western Stock Show, and volunteers for the Lakewood Police Department. Jim was selected for the Real Men Who Wear Pink recognition by the American Cancer Society in 2016.

Kate serves as the Foundation Chair for St. Anthony Hospital, sits on the board for the Alameda Gateway, and as the Secretary for the Alameda Corridor Business Improvement District. She was recognized at the West Chamber's Celebrate Women event in 2011. Both Jim and Kate serve as deacons for St. James Presbyterian Church.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Jim and Kathleen Curtis for this well-deserved honor from the West Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Daniel D. Bigandt Agency with American Family Insurance for being honored as the Small Business of the Year by the West Chamber of Commerce.

The Daniel D. Bigandt Agency with American Family Insurance was established in 2002 in Lakewood. The agency now serves more than 2,000 households in the Denver metro area, with a majority in Jefferson and Denver counties.

At the beginning of 2016, the agency started the year with one full- time employee and 4 part-time employees at one location in Lakewood. At the end of 2016, the agency had grown to 4 full-time and several part- time staff members with two locations, one in Lakewood and one in Englewood. Over the last 15 months, the agency has been awarded many sales and service awards.

Dan Bigandt is deeply involved in the community and has been an active member of the West Chamber for the last nine years. Dan is also involved in the leadership of other organizations in Jefferson County, serving as the Board Vice Chair for the Sooper Credit Union and as a Board Member of the Panorama Ridge Homeowners Association. Recently, Dan finished serving for 12 years on the Board of Directors for Front Range Christian School in Littleton.

I extend my deepest congratulations to The Daniel D. Bigandt Agency with American Family Insurance for this well-deserved honor from the West Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Citywide Banks for being honored as the Medium Business of the Year by the West Chamber of Commerce.

Citywide Banks is an independent, family owned business that has been focused on moving the Front Range community forward for more than 50 years. With client needs as their focus, they have created a unique banking culture that continues to benefit their clients as well as their employees and the broader Colorado community.

This local focus means their customers' deposits stay in Colorado and get reinvested to help our community move forward. They work to help Colorado companies grow, ensure Coloradans' financial assets are protected, and give a hand-up to our neighbors in need. Citywide Banks provides local businesses equipment financing, lines of credit, construction loans and treasury management products to help simplify cash flow operations, strengthen fraud protection and maximize the earning power of their deposits.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Citywide Banks for this well- deserved honor from the West Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to posthumously recognize and honor Philip Winn for his service and dedication to the State of Colorado. For more than forty years, Phil has had a remarkable career as a public servant to the citizens of Colorado.

Starting in 1964, Phil worked for Witkin Homes and served as their Senior Vice President until 1976. He then went on to become the Chairman of the Board of Philip D. Winn and Associates from 1976-1988. During that time, he also served as the Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party from 1979-1981. In 1981, under the Reagan Administration, Phil was appointed Assistant Secretary to the Federal Housing Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development. From 1983-1984, he was a member of the Federal National Mortgage Advisory Council. In 1988, Phil was nominated to be the Ambassador of Switzerland serving as such until 1989. He received many awards in his life including Man of the Year from the Home Builder's Association in 1971 and Citizen of the Year from the Colorado Association of Housing and Building in 1981.

One of Phil's greatest accomplishments is the work he and his wife, Elle, have put into The Bridge Project at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work. Phil co-founded the Bridge Project in 1991 to provide educational opportunities and assistance in developing life skills for Denver's low-income youth. Over the past 25 years, Phil and his wife have been leaders, donors, advisors and friends to the organization and its mission. They have helped make an impact on the lives of thousands of children and youth in Denver.

I extend my deepest appreciation to Phil Winn for his service and dedication to the citizens of Colorado. His positive impacts will be felt for many years to come.