[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 82 (Thursday, June 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MARY ANN ROBERTS

                                 ______


                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute my 
constituent, Mary Ann Roberts of Jonesboro. Mary Ann, who is the owner 
and operator of Roberts Little Ones Day Care Center in Jonesboro, has 
been selected the 1996 Small Business Person of the Year for the State 
of Georgia by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  Her selection as the Georgia Small Business Person of the Year is 
well deserved. She is a testament to the can-do, entrepreneurial spirit 
of America where everyone has the opportunity to turn their dreams into 
reality.
  In 1974, Mary Ann and her husband, Jack, borrowed $25,000 on their 
home to make a downpayment on a small day care center in Forest Park, 
GA. At that time, there were 57 children and 5 teachers. Over the 
years, Mary Ann and Jack expanded their business venture to where today 
the Roberts have 5 day care facilities with over 175 employees.
  And her experience and expertise in owning and operating day care 
facilities have opened new business ventures for her. As a consultant, 
Mary Ann has helped 14 clients obtain over $10 million in SBA-backed 
loans to establish day care centers that employ over 525 full-time 
workers.
  The success of Mary Ann Roberts Little Ones Day Care Centers stand as 
an outstanding example of what can be achieved through hard work, 
determination, dedication, and commitment.
  I join with the people of the Third Congressional District and the 
State of Georgia in congratulating Mary Ann as she is honored as the 
1996 Georgia Small Business Person of the Year in national ceremonies 
this week in Washington. I wish her every success in the years to come.

                          ____________________