[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING DAVID GIULIANI

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, it is no secret to my colleagues 
that perhaps the greatest contributor to our Nation's economic success 
is the hard work, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit of America's 
small businessowners. It is, therefore, appropriate that the U.S. Small 
Business Administration has honored Washington State businessman, Mr. 
David Giuliani, as the National Small Business Person of the Year. Mr. 
Giuliani is president and chief executive officer of the Bellevue, WA, 
based Optiva Corp. which manufactures the Sonicare brand of 
toothbrushes. Starting Optiva as a technology transfer project from the 
University of Washington in 1988, Mr. Giuliani has overseen the 
company's progression from a startup business to an employer of 250 
with sales of over $50 million in 1995. With growth of this kind it is 
not surprising that, last October, Inc. Magazine recognized Optiva as 
the second-fastest growing private company in the entire nation. To 
celebrate its success at the production of its millionth toothbrush 
last year, Mr. Giuliani's company gave away more than 1,000 Sonicare 
toothbrushes to individuals who couldn't afford them on their own.
   Mr. President, I am proud to represent a State that is home to such 
an outstanding businessman and citizen. Mr. Giuliani certainly deserves 
the title of Small Business Person of the Year.

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