[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO DOUG DOBMEIER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a good friend of 
mine, Doug Dobmeier, the senior vice president of operations for 
Tharaldson Enterprises [TE] in Shelbyville, IL. Tharaldson Enterprises 
builds hotels and other businesses across the country, including over 
30 hotels in the 19th Congressional District of Illinois. On behalf of 
southern Illinois I want to extend our appreciation for the many jobs 
and businesses that TE has generated over the past three decades, and 
for many pleasant stays during my own travels throughout the district.
  Tharaldson Enterprises, Inc., was founded in 1982 by Gary Tharaldson. 
In 1984, as the company started to grow and the expansion of three new 
hotels was added, Gary decided to hire Doug Dobmeier to oversee TE's 
thriving business. With Doug's leadership TE became the largest hotel 
developer in the United States. Doug was soon promoted to senior vice 
president of operations and during his tenure has seen this company 
grow from 3 to 230 hotels located in some 20 States. Today this company 
witnesses 40 to 50 hotels added every year, which equates to an average 
of 1 grand-opening per week, and the company's number of employees has 
jumped from 33 to over 4,000. Doug's vision and leadership have steered 
this company to phenomenal success. Currently, Doug is the driving 
force behind the Extended Services Division overseeing their main goal 
of reaching 400 hotels by the year 2000. Doug has a dedicated and loyal 
staff working with him, including executive assistant Jill Gates and 
regional vice presidents Larry Davis, Don Klain and Tim Gefroh.
  Mr. Speaker, Doug also has the overwhelming support of his wife, 
Sarah Dobmeier, and his three children, Andrea, Adam, and Amanda. Doug 
is a dedicated father and takes an active role in his children's 
schooling as a parent teacher association member. He is an anchor in 
his community, taking a leading role in the Hope Lutheran Church in 
Fargo, ND, where he serves as associate deacon. Doug and Sarah 
contribute to the youth advocate counselor for their parish and 
recently took a group of 20 teenagers to the Black Hills in South 
Dakota for a retreat. Doug also played an integral role in starting a 
youth traveling basketball team for the Boy's and Girl's club of Fargo, 
ND, serving as head coach. The support of Doug's community and family 
has allowed him to run such a successful business in southern Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, it's people like Doug who help stimulate the economy in 
the 19th Congressional District and inspire young people to give back 
to their communities. Doug Dobmeier is not only a team leader, but an 
example for all of us as we enter the 21st century.

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