[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO GEORGE DITOMASSI, THIS YEAR'S AMBASSADOR OF IRELAND AWARD

                                 ______


                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 1996

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute 
today to George Ditomassi, a constituent of mine who has distinguished 
himself both professionally and privately, as a man of significant 
accomplishment and compassion. Mr. Ditomassi is the Chairman of Milton-
Bradley Co. in East Longmeadow, MA, a toy and game manufacturer owned 
by the Hasbro Corporation.
  For as long as I can remember, George Ditomassi has given generously 
to the communities in which he lives and works. Year-in and year-out 
George Ditomassi is a good friend and neighbor to western 
Massachusetts. Though he sits on the corporate boards of some of 
America's largest companies, he also contributes his time to local and 
neighborhood organizations. In his many and varied roles, George 
Ditomassi has favorably impacted the lives of thousand of other people. 
That, in part, is why I have chosen to recognize him here today.
  On Sunday, March 17, St Patrick's Day, George Ditomassi will be given 
the Ambassador of Ireland Award by the Holyoke, MA, St Patrick's Day 
Parade Committee. The Ambassador's Award is given annually to an 
American citizen who is judged by the committee to have built an 
economic or social bridge between our two great nations. George 
Ditomassi fits this description extremely well.
  Raised in Holyoke, a long-time Irish enclave in western 
Massachusetts, George Ditomassi understands well the contributions that 
Irish-Americans have made to American society. As a businessman, he 
clearly understands the value that is added to a company by a well 
educated and highly skilled workforce, the type which is found in 
Ireland.
  As the chairman of the Milton-Bradley Co., Mr. Ditomassi has guided 
his company's decision to own and operate a manufacturing facility in 
Waterford County, Ireland. With over 500 people employed by Milton-
Bradley at the facility, the plant is one of the largest employers in 
Waterford. It is a boon to the local economy and Mr. Ditomassi calls it 
``a jewel in our crown.'' It is his stewardship of this investment in 
the Irish economy that has qualified George Ditomassi for the 1996 
Ambassador of Ireland Award and also, it is the other part of why I 
have chosen to recognize him in the House of Representatives today.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating 
George Ditomassi for his upcoming receipt of the Ambassador of Ireland 
Award, and also, for a lifetime of service to his community.

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