[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 55 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E646-E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JERRY TROLZ

                                 ______


                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 1996

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary citizen, businessman, and community leader in my 
district, Mr. Jerry Trolz of Goshen, IN, and to his hardworking 
employees.
  Jerry is the owner of Goshen Stamping Co. I recently visited with him 
at his plant to observe an innovative ``Partners in Education'' Program 
which he has developed in conjunction with Goshen High School.
  Under this program, Jerry puts talented high school students to work 
in his company as part of a structured academic/work curriculum. The 
students are given an opportunity to develop basic work skills and work 
habits and begin to learn a trade while they are still in school.
  Before they can be admitted into the program, students must 
demonstrate a proficiency in basic reading, math, writing, 
communications, and economics. They must also demonstrate a commitment 
to the basic values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. Successful 
participants are guaranteed a job with Goshen Stamping after they 
graduate.
  The partners in Education Program is filling an important niche in 
both the education and business communities in the Goshen area. It 
gives motivated students--particularly those who do not wish to attend 
college--a chance to learn a trade and secure a good paying job. At the 
same time, it provides companies such as Goshen Stamping with the 
steady influx of skilled workers they need to remain competitive in the 
increasingly global economy.
  The program is working extremely well for both the students and the 
sponsoring businesses. Indeed, Goshen Stamping recently received the 
Emerson Tool Group's 1995 Distinguished Supplier Award, in recognition 
of its quality workmanship and skilled work force.
  This is a reflection not only of Jerry's business skills, but also of 
the talented and dedicated employees at Goshen Stamping, and the 
commitment they have made to excellence in the work place.
  While Jerry Trolz has been a leader in developing the Partners in 
Education Program, his contributions to the community do not stop here. 
Earlier this month, Jerry was named the 1996 winner of the Book of 
Golden Deeds Award by the Exchange Club of Goshen, in recognition of 
his lifetime of community service.
  Jerry is a charter member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of 
Goshen; past chairman of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee of Elkhart 
County; past president of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce; and past 
president of the Goshen Industrial Club.
  He is currently director of the Goshen Salvation Army and Goshen 
Hospital Health Systems Board; president of the Greater Goshen 
Association, a member of the advisory boards of First Source Bank, 
Goshen Partners in Education Committee, the Elkhard Career Center and 
Ivy Tech State College; and a long-time supporter of Lacasa, Habitat 
for Humanity, and Youth for Christ.
  Mr. Speaker, it is all too common to hear people complain these days 
that our educational system is not doing a good enough job of 
motivating and teaching students, or that government is not doing 
enough to address the problems in our communities.
  Jerry Trolz does not believe in complaining. He believes in 
solutions. In receiving the Book of Golden Deeds Award, Jerry was 
quoted as saying, ``Community service is the rent you pay for being 
here on earth.''
  I am pleased to call attention to Jerry's lifetime of community 
service, and hope that his efforts will serve as an inspiration to all 
Americans to give a little more of their time and energy to make their 
communities and our country a better place to live.

[[Page E647]]



          IN MEMORY OF RONALD H. BROWN, SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

                                 ______


                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 1996

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer some thoughts on the 
tragic passing of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown. I would first like to 
convey my sincere condolences to his family: his wife Alma, and his 
children Tracey and Michael.
  As I survey his life it is difficult not to be impressed by the 
richness and breadth of Ron Brown's accomplishments. It is the 
quintessential American story. He rose from modest beginnings in Harlem 
to the pinnacles of law, politics and government. Secretary Brown's 
life was an affirmation that in America a man of imagination, talent 
and determination could succeed.
  His joy in serving as Secretary of Commerce was infectious. His 
dedication to helping young Americans aspire and succeed was genuine. 
And his commitment to serve his country was a constant throughout his 
life.
  His smile, hopefulness and generosity will be missed.

                          ____________________