[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1188-E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SMALL BUSINESS: THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, this country's economy is fueled by a 
diverse and broad group of smaller companies whose strengths lie in 
their innovation and flexibility. It is these companies that were 
recently honored at the 1997 Small Business Person of the Year Award in 
Washington, DC.
  I would like to honor the sole Michigan recipient of this award, 
Wright-K Technology, Inc., of Saginaw, whose management team of CEO 
Robert Floeter, President John Sivey and Secretary-Treasurer Constance 
Kostrzewa was nominated for this distinction by Saginaw Future, Inc. 
Criteria for nomination and selection included sales and employment 
growth, staying power, local community commitment, innovativeness of 
product, and response to adversity.
  One of the secrets of Wright-K's success is their strong belief that 
every single employee of the company is crucial to its ultimate 
productivity and strength. They value their employees, which comes 
through in company

[[Page E1189]]

policy and the simple way they treat everyone who works at Wright-K. I 
believe that this attitude of respect comes back tenfold to the company 
since everyone feels that when the company rises, all boats within the 
company also rise.
  The growth of Wright-K Technology has exploded in the past 4 years, 
evidenced by over a doubling of employees from 146 to nearly 350 today. 
This manufacturing company designs, builds, and rebuilds special 
assembly, test, metal removal, laser, and welding equipment. In fact, 
its superior performance has placed it among the 100 fastest growing 
firms in Michigan, moving up to No. 55 after debuting at No. 86 in 
1996.
  Wright-K's management team also gives back to the community many 
times over by volunteering their time and resources to support 
important initiatives like school-to-work programs, hospital and church 
programs, the Boy Scouts, and chambers of commerce. It is through these 
types of involvement that a company's dedication and staying power in 
the community is truly characterized.
  I am enormously pleased to commend Wright-K Technology, Inc., and to 
highlight the accomplishments of this firm and its employees both from 
an economic and a philanthropic standpoint. I believe that this company 
serves as a model for aspiring small businesses nationwide and 
globally, and I look forward to witnessing continued years of growth 
and success.

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