[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


CONGRATULATING PHIL FRIEDMAN ON HIS RECEIVING THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 
        AWARD FROM THE EMANUEL FOUNDATION FOR HUNGARIAN CULTURE

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 1997

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Mr. Phil Friedman, founder of Computer Generated 
Solutions [CGS], who is receiving on June 8, 1997, the Lifetime 
Achievement Award from the Emanuel Foundation for Hungarian Culture. 
This richly deserved recognition highlights the outstanding 
accomplishments of a remarkable man.
  An immigrant from the Soviet Union in 1976, Phil came to the United 
States with his wife, Rose, a few hundred bucks, even fewer English 
words, and a determination to succeed. In this new chapter of his life, 
Phil became a model immigrant and lived the American dream. From his 
business success to his impressive charitable and philanthropic 
commitments to his community, he has become an inspiration to all who 
know him.
  Although he was trained in both electronic engineering and in 
accounting and finance, Phil discovered that the first requirements of 
life in America were learning both the language and cutting edge 
skills. He went to school to learn English and study computers, while 
Rose studied accounting. Much to his surprise, his first job lasted 
only 6 months before he was laid off for lack of work. Although the 
shock of unemployment was a new sensation to a man from the Soviet 
Union, Phil landed on his feet as a programmer, and then director of 
management information systems, in a major apparel firm. From his 
experience integrating software for the firm, he developed the 
innovative idea that would change his life yet again.
  In 1984, Phil discovered that the systems integration software and 
techniques he had mastered could serve the entire fashion industry and 
not just one firm. He formed CGS and immediately landed a number of 
major companies as clients. In 1994, he bought out the software company 
on which his business depended and has invested millions to upgrade the 
products and remain competitive.
  Today CGS employs nearly 1,000 people with offices in seven major 
cities and business partnerships throughout Europe, North America, and 
East Asia. Phil's 5-year plan to expand his operations and dramatically 
increase CGS revenues is well underway.
  Mr. Speaker, Phil Friedman is a man who started with virtually 
nothing but the determination to not only survive, but succeed, in a 
new, unfamiliar, and highly competitive country. From his spectacular 
success he has sought to return as much as possible to his community 
and adoptive country. I am proud to invite my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Phil and celebrating his lifetime of achievement.

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