Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Matthew Harris for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Matthew Harris is an Iowa native and alumnus of the University of Northern Iowa. In March of 2011, Matthew was appointed Administrator of the Iowa Arts Council, a division

of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Professionally, Harris is charged with leading the state arts agency's staff, grant-making initiatives and programming while helping advance the agency's mission of enriching the quality of life in Iowa through support of the arts. Outside of work, Matthew is heavily involved with the Character Counts in Iowa program and the Les Hale Endowment Fund. In both facets of his life, Matt is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Matthew in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Harris for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Matthew on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Curtis Brown for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Curtis Brown lives in Ankeny, Iowa with his wife Rachel and sons Maximilian, Adrian Benet, and Jude, and serves as Economic Development Director for the city. Professionally, Curtis serves the people of Ankeny by building relationships with business leaders and economic development leaders. Privately, Mr. Brown is an active member of Our Lady's Immaculate Conception Church and volunteers as a Spanish interpreter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa. Both personally and professionally, Curtis is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Curtis in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Brown for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Curtis on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Desmund Adams

for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Desmund Adams is the epitome of an ``American success story.'' Once a high school dropout and later a graduate of Drake University Law School, Desmund has gone on to live his life as an example of what is possible through hard work and dedication. In 2005, he started his own executive search firm, AdamsDouglas, and today is accountable for more than half of gross revenues for the company. Desmund resides in Clive, Iowa with his wife Dr. Shondalette Adams and their two sons, Khalil Desmund Adams and Solomon Douglas Adams. Desmund's selection as a Forty Under 40 honoree by Business Record reflects what is possible when Iowa work ethic intersects with leadership and character.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Desmund in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Adams for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Desmund on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Lawrence Cunningham for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Lawrence Cunningham is the Director of Business Development at Catchfire Media, where he is responsible for adding $2 million a year in new business. Outside of his career, Mr. Cunningham is heavily involved with a number of young professional organizations across the state. Lawrence resides in Urbandale with his wife Brandy and their two-year-old son Asher. In both facets of his life, Lawrence is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Lawrence in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Cunningham for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Lawrence on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Erica Axiotis for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Erica Axiotis resides in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband Christopher and is currently serving as the Director of Development for the Mercy Foundation, where she works with businesses interested in providing donations to assist the healthcare work done by Mercy Medical Center. Also a board member of the Junior League of Des Moines, the Iowa Shakespeare Experience, and Young Variety, Mrs. Axiotis' commitment and passion for assisting her community and beyond are outstanding.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Erica in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mrs. Axiotis for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Erica on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Jonathan Brendemuehl for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Originally from Illinois, Jonathan Brens Moines home with his partner Christopher Diebel. Mr. Brendemuehl, 26, serves as the Marketing Events Coordinator for Bankers Trust Co. In this role, Jonathan manages Bankers Trust's involvement in more than 125 annual events. Outside of his career, Mr. Brendemuehl serves as president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association and is actively involved in the Des Moines Symphony and Des Moines Community Playhouse. Jonathan's passion for his career and his community sets an example that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Jonathan in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that

I recognize and applaud Mr. Brendemuehl for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Jonathan on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize John Mickelson for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

John Mickelson is the Associate Managing Director at the PrivateBank and Trust Co. and also serves as a City Councilman for the City of West Des Moines. He has previously started, owned, and operated three small businesses. John received three degrees from the University of Iowa, where he was also a letter-winner on the football team. Outside of work, John serves as Vice-Chair for the State Historical Society of Iowa and a Board Member for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. Mr. Mickelson resides in West Des Moines with his wife Brooke and their three sons. In both facets of his life, John is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like John in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Mickelson for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating John on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Tina Gray Carstensen for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Tina Gray Carstensen is a lifelong Iowa native who grew up in Newton and received her Bachelor of Arts from Central College in Pella. Since 2002, Tina has been a marketing coordinator for Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering in West Des Moines, a full service design firm. In this role Tina has built the marketing team and hired and trained other marketing coordinators in the firm's offices across Iowa and Illinois. Her passion for helping others has led her to become extremely involved with community organizations, including providing graphic design services for various animal rescue groups and serving as Chair of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy Board. Tina resides in the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines with her husband Jay, her stepson Finn and their two cats Mo and Hershey. Her proud parents, James and Sandra Gray, continue to reside in Newton.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Tina in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mrs. Carstensen for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Tina on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Heather Starr for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Heather Starr is currently in the second year of her real estate career as a Real Estate Agent for RE/MAX Innovations. Prior to her current role, Heather owned her own communications firm, North Starr Communications, and was the director of development and communications for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, tasked with raising nearly $4 million to meet the capital campaign goal. Mrs. Starr is an Iowa native with degrees from Iowa State University and Drake University. She currently resides in rural Winterset with her husband Jason and their two sons, Drake and Brody. Heather has lived her life as an example of the famous Iowan work ethic and dedication to service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Heather in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mrs. Starr for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Heather on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Indianola, Iowa, for earning the Connected program's Connected certification. Indianola is the first community in the state of Iowa and the third in the country to garner this technology designation.

The Connected certification is a title applied to communities that display top-tier proficiency in the access and utilization of broadband-supported technologies. This coveted certification is awarded by Connected Nation and its subsidiary Connect Iowa, who advocate for broadband access on the state and national levels.

The City of Indianola is one of more than 30 communities across Iowa actively participating in the Connected program, and the first to become formally certified. Indianola has a team in place that has developed a comprehensive plan to increase broadband access by assessing the broadband landscape, identifying gaps, and establishing manageable goals. Attaining the Connected certification adds to the long list of desirable attributes that make Indianola such a great place to raise a family or grow a business.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the City of Indianola for its commitment to embracing and efficiently utilizing technology for the benefit of its residents and businesses. It is a great honor to represent the citizens of Indianola,

and all of Warren County, in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating the City of Indianola in being selected to receive this certification, and I wish the city and its people continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the Midwest's premier indoor farm events, the 47th Annual Triumph of Agriculture Exposition.

The 47th Annual Triumph of Agriculture Exposition, or Ag Expo, will be held this coming March 6 and 7 at the CenturyLink Center in neighboring Omaha, Nebraska--mere miles from Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Triumph of Ag Expo is regarded as one of the country's largest indoor short-line farm machinery shows and remains the ideal opportunity to see new short-line farm equipment, products, and techniques under one roof.

Mr. Speaker, the work ethic of Iowa's farmers and the value that it provides to our nation cannot be overstated. It is a great honor to represent fine farmers and farming communities in the state of Iowa in the United States Congress. I commend the efforts of the Mid-America Farm and Ranch Machinery Council for sponsoring this year's Ag Expo, and I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in wishing all of our farmers a successful and plentiful harvest in 2013.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Bradley Baudler, an 18-year-old 4-H'er of Fontanelle, Iowa, who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in his community from the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is our country's largest youth recognition program based entirely on volunteer community service. The program was created in conjunction with Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals to honor middle and high school students for outstanding service to benefit others at the local, state, and national level. Since 1995, more than 345,000 American youths have participated in this excellent program.

Bradley was recently selected as one of Iowa's four distinguished finalists for creating a weeklong camp for 4th and 5th graders. Mr. Baudler's camp, ``Brains and Basketball'', consists of 14 teen mentors teaching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lessons while mixing in basketball drills and techniques. Bradley's goal for the camp is to bolster young students' interest in STEM subjects through the popularity of athletics.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Baudler for his sincere dedication to positively impacting the lives of others in his community and beyond. Bradley's commitment to a cause greater than himself is a testament to the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. Our future is bright with young people like Bradley, and it is an honor to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Bradley, thanking his supportive family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful project for their life-changing efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Dylan DeClerck, a 17-year-old senior of Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in his community from the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is our country's largest youth recognition program based entirely on volunteer community service. The program was created in conjunction with Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals to honor middle and high school students for outstanding service to benefit others at the local, state, and national level. Since 1995, more than 345,000 American youths have participated in this excellent program.

Dylan was recently selected as one of Iowa's four distinguished finalists for creating and organizing a baseball league for young children who could not otherwise afford to play our national pastime. Dylan promoted his league, ``Opportunity on Deck'', by meeting with local ball club officials for support and sponsorships. Throughout the summer, Mr. DeClerck organized clinic activities and promoted the league through local media. There is no doubt Dylan's selfless efforts brought immeasurable joy and lasting benefits to the young people that participated in Opportunity on Deck.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. DeClerck for his sincere dedication to positively impacting the lives of others in his community. Dylan's commitment to a cause greater than himself is a testament to the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. Our future is bright with young people like Dylan, and it is an honor to represent him and his family in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Dylan, thanking his supportive family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful project for their life-changing efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Junior League of Des Moines (JLDM) for being selected as the 2013 organizational inductee to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. The Junior League of Des Moines is being recognized for their efforts as outstanding Iowans who have selflessly given their time and talents to benefit their state.

Obtaining a coveted induction to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the most prestigious statewide honor a volunteer can attain. Members of this exclusive club have changed their communities forever through their volunteer service and will be forever enshrined in the State Historical Museum.

In 1926, Mrs. Ruth Wallace Wijkman founded the Junior Social Service League of Des Moines with a mere 10 members. In 1931, Wijkman's organization of humble beginnings would formally affiliate with the Association of Junior Leagues to become the Junior League of Des Moines. Today, after more than 80 years, the JLDM is stronger than ever with hundreds of members that remain committed to the mission of tirelessly building a better community. Whether the task at hand is education and caring for children, expanding opportunities for young people in Des Moines, or building playgrounds with their bare hands, the JLDM is never shy when it comes to improving the world around them.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this extraordinary group of women demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and service. The Junior League of Des Moines' efforts truly embody the Iowa spirit, and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating the JLDM on their award, thanking them for their service, and wishing them future success as they continue to change lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Connor Mullen of Boy Scout Troop 152 in Adel, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, Connor coordinated the construction of a permanent structure for his high school's band director to use for rehearsals during the marching band season. This structure will ensure the director's safety as it facilitates greater instruction through a ``bird's eye view.'' The work ethic Connor has shown in his Eagle Project and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Connor's remarkable accomplishment represents more than a decade of commitment to the Boy Scouts--and his achievement is made all the more incredible by his triumph over leukemia. I am honored to represent Connor and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.