[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         JAMES D. HENRY, MISSOURI SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF 1995

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
recognize Jim Henry as Missouri's Small Business Person of the Year for 
1995. Jim Henry is the president and chief operating officer of the 
R.C. Wilson Co., located in St. Charles.
  In years to come, we may refer back to 1995 as the year of small 
business owners. More attention is being given to the accomplishments 
of small business persons than at any time since I entered government 
service. Small businesses will create 66 percent of all new jobs this 
year. By contrast, large companies with over 5,000 employees will add 
only 6 percent of the new jobs. Small businesses are the engine that is 
fueling our economy, generating 52 percent of all sales and one-half of 
the gross domestic product. It is, therefore, very appropriate that the 
Small Business Administration has set aside this week to honor our 
Nation's men and women, like Jim Henry, who own and operate small 
businesses.
  Jim Henry's business, the R.C. Wilson Co., is a collection agency. 
Most of us think of a collection business as one that is insensitive at 
best. However, since Mr. Henry purchased the company in 1985, he has 
worked hard to establish a level of excellence that is essential for 
success in today's competitive business environment. His business 
philosophy puts a special emphasis on the dignity of the consumer, and 
provides professional service and outstanding results while maintaining 
the fine image of the client.
  Jim Henry has been an innovator. Over the past 10 years, he has 
expanded and enhanced the delinquent-account collection services by 
fully computerizing his agency. He added optical-disk storage and on-
line capability with clients. He has recognized the tremendous changes 
in the work place by adding on-line connections for employees working 
from home. His business was the first of its kind in Missouri to add a 
computerized dialing system.
  In 1985, the R.C. Wilson Co. employed 25 people with annual billings 
of $1.25 million. Today, Jim Henry has 114 employees and bills $4 
million a year. His success rate is nearly 50 percent better than the 
industry average.
  Jim Henry has succeeded by recognizing the needs of his customers and 
clients, by working hard and by being innovative. Equally significant, 
Jim Henry has never forgotten his employees, many have been with the 
company for over 20 years. He has shown us how to be an excellent 
businessman and employer, and I am proud to recognize Jim Henry as 
Missouri's 1995 Small Business Person of the Year.


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