[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 51 (Tuesday, May 3, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF GEORGE J. RIGGS AND THOMAS R. WELLS, KENTUCKY SMALL 
                      BUSINESS PERSONS OF THE YEAR

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. George J. 
Riggs and Mr. Thomas R. Wells of Erlanger, KY, who have been named 
Kentucky Small Business Persons of the Year by the U.S. Small Business 
Administration. They will be honored in Washington along with those 
other individuals who have been recognized from across the Nation 
during Small Business Week, May 1 through May 7, 1994.
  George Riggs is currently president and Tom Wells is vice president 
of Embroidery Services, Inc. an embroidered apparel company located in 
Erlanger, KY. Incorporated a mere 12 years ago, the company has become 
a leader in the field of ornamental designed clothing. Embroidery 
Services, Inc. furnishes an entire line of apparel for Disney World and 
Disneyland, in addition to supplying resorts around the world with 
clothing bearing the resort logo.
  Prompted by an article heralding the growing market for monogrammed 
goods, George Riggs invested $18,000 for his first 12-head sewing 
machine and rented 100 square feet of floor space to begin his venture. 
Within 2 weeks he had hired his first employee and set about the task 
of embroidering uniform shirts, napkins, and hats for the restaurant 
and bar industry. That one employee has now grown to 90, and the single 
12-head sewing machine he used to get started has been replaced by over 
a dozen machines and other state-of-the-art equipment.
  In 1989, Tom Wells came aboard as vice president and the small 
company was incorporated. By 1991, Tom's marketing savvy prompted sales 
to double. Since joining the firm, sales have increased by $6 million, 
and flagging attendance has been virtually wiped out by an innovative 
bonus program. By paying workers with a perfect attendance record more 
than $200,000 in bonuses, Monday morning no-shows have become a thing 
of the past.
  A strong sense of community underlies all of George and Tom's 
endeavors; from their current project of providing an onsite child care 
center for employees, to future projects like providing a hot meal on 
each work shift for their employees. Tom is also a regular speaker for 
the Chamber of Commerce, and enjoys ecology work, youth sports, and 
church activities. George is actively involved in the Special Olympics. 
Both support the Johnny Bench scholarship fund.
  Mr. President, George Riggs and Tom Wells set an example of 
dedication, integrity, and innovation which make them role models for 
small business persons across my State. In being named Kentucky Small 
Business Persons of the Year, I believe they can now be recognized by 
aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide as effective role models of both 
smart business practices and community spirit.
  As we continue Small Business Week, I rise to recognize and 
congratulate George Riggs and Tom Wells and the other State Small 
Business Persons of the Year for their distinguished achievements and 
wish them continued success in the future.

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