[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 10, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A SALUTE TO COLEJON CORPORATION: WINNER OF SBA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 10, 1995

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to salute two 
residents of my congressional district, Lonzo Coleman and James E. 
Jones. This year their company, ColeJon Corp., received the Small 
Business Administration's Graduate of the Year Award. This award 
recognizes small businesses for their success in moving from set-aside 
projects to a more competitive business arena. The award was presented 
at the Minority Enterprise Development Week conference, which was held 
in Washington, DC, earlier this week. I would like to share with my 
colleagues the details of the exceptional history of ColeJon Corp., and 
why this SBA award is particularly significant.
  It was in 1976 that Lonzo Coleman, a pipefitter, and James Jones, a 
sheet metal worker, pooled their savings to form ColeJon Corp., a 
mechanical contracting firm in Cleveland, OH. However, a Small Business 
Administration [SBA] official rejected their request for a loan, 
perhaps thinking that the venture did not have a chance for success. 
The new company got its start when it was able to obtain work under a 
SBA program that set-aside work for minority enterprises. Eventually, 
through hard work and dedication, the firm grew, expanding its services 
and competing for both Government and commercial contracts across the 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to report that ColeJon has achieved a high 
level of prosperity. Currently, approximately 90 percent of ColeJon's 
business is outside of Ohio. The firm competes for facilities 
management contracts at large Government and commercial establishments 
in 12 States. ColeJon Corp. has also completed several major projects 
in Cleveland, including the recently opened Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 
and Museum, and the Great Lakes Science Museum. These impressive 
enterprises indicate the level of skill and excellence which ColeJon 
has attained.
  ColeJon Corp. is a wonderful example of how affirmative action can be 
good for this country. James Jones and Lonzo Coleman utilized 
affirmative action to break into the machine trade industry. ColeJon 
Corp. is now giving back to the State of Ohio by employing 
approximately 400 people. The success of this small business translates 
directly into economic growth for Ohio.
  Mr. Speaker, small businesses such as ColeJon Corp. are essential to 
the economy of this country. Almost 60 percent of the private work 
force is employed by small business, and 54 percent of all sales in the 
country are completed by small businesses. This is why we need small 
business development. Additionally, minority businesses are essential 
in our efforts to promote development in economically disadvantaged 
regions. Minority businesses provide jobs for American workers and 
provide positive role models for minority youth. These enterprises 
provide minority representation in the global economic community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to salute Lonzo Coleman and James Jones for 
their well-deserved success. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
extending our warmest congratulations to ColeJon Corp. for receiving 
the Small Business Administration's Graduate of the Year Award.