[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
TRIBUTE TO ARDIE J. DILLEN OF ALTOONA, PA, THREE DECADES OF SERVICE IN 
                              BLAIR COUNTY

                                 ______


                               speech of

                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 1994

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, on February 28, 1994, Mr. Ardie J. Dillen 
of Altoona, PA concluded 27 years of service as president of Altoona 
Enterprises, Inc. During his tenure, hundreds of millions of dollars 
have been invested and countless jobs have been created and retained in 
the Altoona/Blair County community. Ardie has been a driving force 
behind the growth and expansion of businesses and industries that have 
transformed Altoona from an aging railroad town into a burgeoning hub 
of commerce. Under his leadership, the following are just a sample of 
his many achievements.
  Development of the Peterson Industrial Park with the location of five 
companies within the complex.
  Establishment and operation of the Altoona Area Incubator as a 
facility to promote entrepreneurial development for new and emerging 
businesses.
  Development of the William W. Ward Industrial Park and the Tyrone 
Industrial Park.
  Location of over 55 new manufacturing companies to the Blair County 
community.
  Sponsorship by Altoona Enterprises, Inc. of over 100 projects under 
the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority [PIDA] program.
  It has been my distinct privilege to work with Ardie Dillen and 
Altoona's business and civic leaders to mount this campaign for 
economic vitality. Together we have watched as old businesses have 
recreated themselves to compete in the 21st century, as small business 
grew into large businesses, as new industries discovered that the 
Altoona/Blair County was an attractive place to locate their plants and 
raise their families.
  On Thursday, May 26, 1994, Ardie will be honored for his three 
decades of outstanding service. I am honored to join a very grateful 
Altoona/Blair County community in saluting Ardie Dillen's vision and 
his legendary dedication to the realization of his many goals and 
dreams for our region. Blair Countians will reap the extraordinary 
benefits of his works for generations to come.

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