Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Carolyn Stephens by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Carolyn Stephens, Managing Partner for Jerolyn Enterprises, for her achievements in small business throughout the Las Vegas community.

Carolyn Stephens moved to Las Vegas after receiving her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Georgia. She used her experience to acquire a job as Director for the Health Care Division of Manpower Temporary Services. After this, Carolyn established a business of her own called Information Products, Inc., which supplied computer and copy paper to local businesses. Gerald (Jerry), Carolyn's husband and business partner, has supported her in her business endeavors. Together, the Stephens opened Lazer Graphics in 1985, putting their business on the cutting edge of digital technology as the first company in Las Vegas to turn computer graphics into high-resolution output film for businesses. She demonstrated her leadership for small business issues when she was appointed to serve as a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business.

Discovering the need to connect other local woman business owners, Carolyn published the Women's Yellow Pages of Southern Nevada from 1993 to 1995. Carolyn has worked tirelessly to champion the advancement of women in business. For her work and dedication, she has received numerous awards and achievements including being the first recipient of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Circle of Excellence Award. She was also honored with the American Red Cross Clara Barton Medal of Excellence, the American Heart Association Heart of Gold, and the Soroptimist International Women Helping Women Award. Moreover, the Small Business Administration has recognized her with the SBA's Women Business Advocate Award.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Carolyn Stephens and would like to recognize her accomplishments within the Las Vegas community. I would also like to congratulate her on receiving recognition as the Women in Business Champion of the Year for the 2008 Small Business Awards.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Mr. Jerry Guederian by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I honor Mr. Guederian, the 2008 Nevada Micro-Enterprise Small Business Person of the Year.

As a young child, Jerry had a passion for shoes. His passion led him to his studies at the Ars Sutoria Institute in Milan, Italy, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in shoe design. Armed with skills, determination, and talent, Jerry came to the United States from Switzerland and opened his first Shoe Lab in Los Angeles, California in 1989. His successful shoe repair business led him to franchising his stores throughout Southern California. In 1995, his passion for the business eventually brought him to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jerry's business success centers around his philosophy of having the best craftsmanship and customer service. Customers are often invited to watch Jerry's well trained cobblers repair their shoes, bag, or luggage through a Shoe Lab `viewing window'.

Nominees for the Macro-Enterprise Award are judged by an independent panel of small business leaders on a variety of criteria including staying power, employee growth, sales increases, innovations of service, and contributions to community-oriented projects. Mr. Guederian and Shoe Lab excelled in every category.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Jerry Guederian and his outstanding accomplishments in the Southern Nevada business community and his recent achievement of being named Nevada's 2008 Micro- enterprise Small Business Person of the Year.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor my friend Harvey Allen by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to

Harvey Allen for his service as an educator in the Nevada higher education system for over thirty years.

Harvey served as a full time professor of Broadcasting, English, Journalism, Speech, Acting, and Theater at the Community College of Southern Nevada for 30 years before retiring at age 75. His dedication to higher education stretched beyond the classroom as he directed the first student produced play at CCSN, served as faculty advisor for the college newspaper, served as a Faculty Senate Member, and established an internship program for Broadcasting and Journalism students. During this time, Harvey also served as a visiting professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Harvey's own education includes earning four degrees from Modesto Jr. College, San Diego State University, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

In addition to his work in higher education, Harvey has been influential within the broadcasting community. In 2007, Harvey was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame citing his many professional accomplishments which included hosting numerous radio talk shows and writing for several Las Vegas publications.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Harvey Allen. His dedication to enriching lives through education and broadcasting has touched countless Nevadans. I applaud his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Jade Anderson by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Jade Anderson, owner and CEO of Capstone Brokerage, Inc., for his small- business achievements throughout the Las Vegas community.

Jade Anderson is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in Business Administration. He began Capstone Brokerage Inc. shortly after graduation, first as a part-time venture for about five years. He shifted gears in 2002 deciding to put all of his energy into growing his company. His company also serves as a connection to other successful entrepreneurs and business minds around the globe. In addition to running Capstone, Jade is a member of the Las Vegas

Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). Through this organization, he has been able to apply to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Entrepreneurs Masters Program where he meets annually for one week with other CEOs and entrepreneurs and listens to business leaders and professors speak on issues related to running their own businesses

Today, Jade is also focused on making certain that his company gives back to the community. He gives a large portion of time to Olive Crest, a nonprofit organization that supports the prevention and treatment of child abuse. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Olive Crest and assists with fundraising and volunteer efforts.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Jade Anderson and would like to recognize his small-business accomplishments within the Las Vegas community. I would also like to congratulate him on receiving the Small Business Person of the Year at the 2008 Small Business Awards.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Mrs. Lynn Marlett by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I honor Mrs. Lynn Marlett for her distinguished and devoted service to her profession and to our community as a registered nurse.

Mrs. Marlett has worked in the Las Vegas area as a Certified Nurse Practitioner since 1999, specializing in gastroenterology. Mrs. Marlett has also closely worked with patients on treatment and collecting data regarding Chronic Hepatitis C.

Mrs. Marlett has extensive knowledge in treating patients with Hepatitis C as well as Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer. Recently, Ms. Marlett has worked with the Health District of Nevada as an Educational Liaison. Her research and knowledge were an invaluable resource for the Health District and her colleagues as a whole. Lynn's professionalism and compassion have earned her the respect of her colleagues and have made her invaluable to her patients.

Mrs. Marlett resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and two daughters.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Lynn Marlett. Her commitment, passion, and dedication to nursing have improved the lives of countless patients in Las Vegas. I thank her for her dedication and commitment to the community and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Gene Segerblom by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. I rise today to honor Gene Segerblom, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday on March 15th, 2008.

Gene was born in 1918 in Elko County, Nevada. Gene's grandparents had migrated to Nevada as pioneers. She graduated from high school in Winnemucca, and later graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno. She moved to Southern Nevada in 1940 to teach at Boulder City High School. A year later, she resigned from her position at the high school and married Cliff Segerblom, a known judge and talented artist.

Upon the return from their honeymoon, the newlyweds moved to the Republic of Panama, where Cliff was offered a job to be the photographer on the third set of canal locks. They lived there for 6 years, and returned to Boulder City in 1947 where Gene focused on raising her children Robin, Richard, and Tic. After 21 years, she returned to teaching government classes at Boulder City High School. She later embarked on her political career as a city council woman for Boulder City. She worked tirelessly with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce as well as the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce to promote Nevada and Boulder City.

In 1991, Gene ran for the Nevada State Assembly and won. She served four terms in the State Assembly and had been the first representative to serve Boulder City in 22 years. Throughout her term, Gene focused on the preservation and restoration of many historical sites, and focused on the development of parks and museums. Gene has dedicated much of her efforts to support the community of Boulder City. She serves on numerous committees including the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association where she serves as the Founding Director and Vice President, the Boulder City Community Club, and the Nevada State Council of Senior Citizens President. Gene was also a champion of the Boulder City Hotel.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Gene Segerblom on this noteworthy occasion for her exemplary life and important contributions to her community. I applaud the way in which she has served Boulder City and congratulate her on this milestone. I wish her a happy birthday and the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Dr. Rebecca Mills, Ed.D by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Dr. Rebecca Mills for her service to the students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and would like to commend her for her dedication and commitment to higher education.

Receiving her doctorate in secondary education, Rebecca attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After receiving her doctorate degree, she joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1987 as an assistant professor in the Department of Instructional and Curricular Studies. She would later become associate professor and then a full professor within the College of Education.

In 1998, she was appointed to the position of Senior Advisor to the President of the University, serving for two years before being named the Interim Vice President for Student Life in April 2001, where she served until her retirement in 2008. In this role, Rebecca worked with over 400 individuals to provide services and programs that support out- of-classroom learning for UNLV's more than 27,000 students.

Rebecca has published and presented nationally on such topics as organizational change, middle level education, teacher beliefs, and teacher development. She has also been featured in the National Forum of Teacher Education Journal and the National Forum of Applied Educational Research Journal. She is a recipient of several teaching awards including the Carnegie Foundation's Nevada Professor of the Year. She is active in the National Association of the Student Personnel Administrators (NASOA) serving Region V as the Public Policy Coordinator. She also belongs to the Association of College Personnel Administrators (ACPA) and has presented at several conferences.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Rebecca Mills, Ed.D for her accomplishments at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and applaud her for her contributions and dedication to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend Roger Hall, the Director of the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department for his outstanding achievements throughout the Boulder City community.

Roger was born in Arlington, Virginia in 1952 when his parents were in the military working at the Pentagon. His father was in the Air Force, which required his family to travel. Roger attended various schools in Japan and Germany, where he graduated from Munich American High School in 1971. In high school, he was the captain of both the football and basketball teams, and was an All-Conference soccer player. He received an Associates of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland Campus in Germany, and Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in Greely. In college, Roger was the starting point guard on the University of Maryland Basketball Team in which he graced the cover of a recent Boulder City local newspaper decked out in a short 70's inspired uniform complete with long flowing hair and a matching headband. At this time he was a player and coach for their football team, and was an avid soccer player. Upon graduation, Roger worked at the Air Force Academy for the summer, before moving to Boulder City, Nevada.

While working in Boulder City, Roger established the soccer program, and was the first Pool Manager of Boulder City Pool and Racquetball Complex which was built in 1980. In 1984, Roger was promoted to the Director for the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department, which he has proudly held for 23 years. In addition to his professional duties, Roger is very active within the Boulder City community. He has served as President of the Boulder City Rotary Club and has been a member for the past 16 years. In his free time Roger is a true outdoorsman, and an avid hunter.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the accomplishments of Roger Hall. He is a passionate and dedicated, civic-minded, individual and an integral force within the community. I congratulate Roger, his wife Tracey, his four children, and two grandchildren for his contributions to the people of Boulder City.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Sister Robert Joseph Bailey by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute to Sister Robert Joseph Bailey for her life and accomplishments, and applaud her for having an elementary school named in her honor by the Clark County School District.

Sister Robert was born as Margaret Bailey on April 22, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan. When she entered the Dominican Order of Sisters in 1940, she chose the name Robert Joseph, in honor of her favorite younger brother. She graduated in 1941 with a bachelor's degree from Sienna Heights College, and began sharing her gift of teaching in various schools throughout the country. In 1951, Sister Robert moved to Henderson, where she was assigned to teach 4th and 5th grade at St. Peter's School. She taught at St. Peters for nine years.

After leaving St. Peter's, Sister Robert went on to what is now known as the Rose de Lima Campus of the St. Rose Dominican Hospitals where she assumed responsibility of dietary services, and eventually turned to community education. During her 37 years at St. Rose, she implemented several community outreach programs dedicated to children throughout the community. She initiated the Positive Impact on Reading Program in which volunteers visit local elementary schools to spend time interactively reading with children. Sister Robert visited many of the schools in the Henderson community and delivered special presentations on a variety of topics such as health, nutrition, hygiene, safety, and even how to be a good babysitter. She also initiated a hotline for children who were home alone and lonely. Typically, these children could call the hospital and talk to a volunteer for as long and often as needed.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Sister Robert Joseph Bailey for her accomplishments throughout the Henderson community. The programs that Sister Robert initiated came as a result of her concerns for the education, health, and comfort of others. Her legacy is an inspiration to the members of the school community, and I applaud the Clark County School District for naming an elementary school in her honor.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Dr. Donald C. Moyer by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I honor the life of Dr. Donald C. Moyer.

Dr. Moyer was the first official president of the institution called Nevada Southern University which is now the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Dr. Moyer served first as chancellor, and then as president from 1964 to 1968. Moyer spent much of his time working with students to elevate the campus experience, and he remained active in the university throughout his life, attending school ceremonies and functions.

During his tenure, the first on-campus housing facility, Tonopah Hall, was built. He also secured funds for other buildings, including the original Student Union, which was later dedicated to him. Dr. Moyer is credited for establishing the College of Hotel Administration. He raised money for the Performing Arts Center, and laid the groundwork for intercollegiate football. Additionally, Dr. Moyer worked to create the Nevada Southern Land Foundation, which used State funds to buy much of the 334-acre campus that UNLV has today. The UNLV Alumni Association was also created under his guide.

Donald was married to his wife, Jewel, for 65 years. He had two daughters, seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the ``Original UNLV Rebel'' Dr. Donald Moyer for his contributions to higher education and to the southern Nevada community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Glady E. Laughlin, who passed away on February 23, 2008.

Glady E. Laughlin played an integral role throughout the Laughlin, Nevada community where she was an outstanding civic leader and dedicated community advocate. Glady was an educator with the Clark County School District for over twenty years, where she was a dedicated advocate for the children of Laughlin, expanding education programs and social services. Her efforts have inspired generations of students to achieve academic excellence. Among her many community achievements and honors, Glady was most proud of her service to her community as the principal of the William G. Bennett Elementary School from 1993-2005.

Glady was also a member on the Laughlin Town Advisory Board and served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Colorado River, the Laughlin Family Resource Center, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River. Glady was also actively involved with the Laughlin Community Church. She volunteered with the church's choir, praise-worship teams, and served as a spiritual leader and mentor.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of Glady E. Laughlin for her many years of leadership and community service to the Laughlin community. Those who have worked with her on a professional and personal level agree that Glady has done profound work throughout the community. Glady was a wonderful individual and a great force on behalf of the people of Laughlin. She is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Pat Laughlin and her two sons Rob and Jim Laughlin. She will be profoundly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to add to my tribute to Alan P. Mintz, whose life I honored on June 27, 2007. Dr. Mintz, M.D. passed away on June 3, 2007.

Born in Chicago, Alan P. Mintz graduated from the University of Chicago and earned a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Illinois--School of Medicine. Prior to his postgraduate training in radiology, in which he later specialized, Dr. Mintz served as a physician in the U.S. Navy. Dr. Mintz was a highly respected professional in the field of radiology and served as a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology, was board certified in radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy, and was also appointed chairman of the Department of Radiology for several Chicago-area hospitals.

Motivated by his passion for health and wellness, Dr. Mintz pioneered a new medical specialty with his work in age management medicine. He became famous within that field for his innovative ideas about the relationship between declining levels of certain hormones and chronic diseases associated with aging. Dr. Mintz pioneered the idea that maintaining certain hormones within physiological ranges in combination with exercise and a healthy diet can optimize wellness as people age.

Dr. Mintz cofounded and served as CEO and President of Medicon, Inc., the world's largest radiology management company. His inventive thinking stimulated the creation of Cenegenics Medical Institute, the largest age management medicine organization in the world. Although headquartered in Las Vegas, Cenegenics Medical Institute has offices in South Carolina, Florida, Hong Kong, and South Korea with service reaching more than 12,000 patients.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and memory of Alan P. Mintz, M.D. Dr. Mintz lived his life according to his favorite maxim by Henry David Thoreau, ``Go confidently in the direction of your dreams . . . Live the life you have imagined.'' Dr. Mintz clearly fulfilled this statement and will be missed by the many lives he touched.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor Dan McPartland by entering his name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I honor Dan McPartland, who is retiring after 27 years of service to the Clark County School District Department of Food Services.

Mr. McPartland has been a resident of southern Nevada since 1968. Throughout his service, Dan has provided leadership and stability to a vital department of southern Nevada's education system. During his time as director of food services, Dan led numerous projects to effectively feed and nourish Clark County students. Such projects included technology upgrades in every school cafeteria networked to the main food service office as well as the implementation of a strict nutrition policy that regulated all foods sold in schools during business hours. Mr. McPartland expanded the department to keep up with rapid growth and maintained a financially sound budget while doing so. Dan was recognized with the Golden Carrot in 2004 for his exceptional innovation and leadership in promoting child health and nutrition through school food service.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dan McPartland. His dedication and commitment to the students of Clark County is commendable and his efforts have enriched countless lives. I congratulate Mr. McPartland on his much deserved retirement and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor my good friends James and Alice Rae Smalley by entering their names in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. I rise today to honor James and Alice Rae Smalley for their contributions to the Southern Nevada community, and commend them on receiving the honor of having an elementary school named after them in the Clark County School District.

James began his teaching career within the school district in 1949 where he taught math at the Fifth Street School in Las Vegas. He later transferred to the Jefferson School in North Las Vegas where he taught Social Studies. After teaching at Jefferson, James taught at Henderson Junior High where he taught for 29 years. While teaching, he served as the President of the Henderson Teachers Association, and continued to be an active member throughout the Henderson community. James was also active in Nevada politics and along with his wife Alice Rae, served as campaign managers for former Governor Grant Sawyer and Ralph Denton. In 1970, Jim successfully ran for Nevada State Assembly where he served on the Assembly Education and Government Affairs Committees.

Alice Rae was born and raised in Caliente, Nevada where she attended the University of Colorado and obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing, becoming the first member of her family to go to college. Along with her husband, Alice Rae was politically active within the State of Nevada, and served two terms on the Nevada State Welfare Board during Governor Grant Sawyer's term. In 1962, she became a nurse for Paradise Elementary, Ullom Elementary, and Whitney School. She dedicated much of her time to help define the role of school nurses within the Clark County School District. She worked for the Clark County School District until she retired in 1988.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the accomplishments of James and Alice Rae Smalley for their dedication to the Southern Nevada Community. I commend them for their contributions and would like to congratulate them on an elementary school being named in their honor by the Clark County School District.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to honor my good friend Marie Soldo by entering her name in the Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress since 1873. I rise today to honor my good friend Marie H. Soldo, for her many years of dedicated service at Sierra Health Services and the southern Nevada community and to wish her the best in her retirement.

Before joining Sierra, Marie served for 7 years as a Regional HMO Program Consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In this position she was responsible for promoting HMO development, monitoring operations, and funding developing HMOs in her assigned region.

After becoming a part of the Sierra Health team Marie was appointed Vice President of Government Affairs and Special Projects on January 1, 1988, and promoted to Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Special Projects in 1997.

Ms. Soldo is a member of several professional organizations, including Chairwoman of the Sierra Community Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees. She served as President of the Nevada Association of Health Plans and serves as a Director for Health Plan of Nevada, Inc., Med One Health Plan, COU, Inc., Northern Nevada Health Network, Prime Health, Inc., Prime Holdings, Inc., and Sierra Military Health Services, Inc.

In addition to her service to the southern Nevada community, Maria has dedicated herself to improving the lives of those in Africa and Latin America. Maria has participated in medical missions to Belize to provide health care services to the local people and assisted in establishing a scholarship program for African women seeking a bachelor's degree in theology in Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally, Maria helped raise funds for the International Health Partners, Tanzania.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Marie Soldo. Her commitment to the people of southern Nevada is truly commendable, as is her efforts on behalf of the local populations in developing nations. I congratulate her on service and wish her the best of luck in her much deserved retirement.