[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MINNESOTA SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS RECOGNIZED

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                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, small business reflects the quintessential 
element of American creativity, innovation, and free enterprise within 
our nation's economy. America's 23 million small businesses employ over 
50 percent of the private workforce and are the principal source of new 
jobs. Small businesses generate more than half of the nation's gross 
domestic product. We will recognize the contributions of our nation's 
small businesses during the week of May 31 to June 6 through ceremonies 
in Washington, D.C.
  Prior to that national event, ceremonies will occur in our districts 
throughout the country. On Friday, May 29, I will be privileged to join 
with others gathered to honor Minnesota's leaders in the small business 
community, several of whom are constituents and friends.
  Sue McCloskey has been named the 1998 Minnesota Small Business Person 
of the Year. This award, determined by the U.S. Small Business 
Administration, is based on sales growth, employer expansion, financial 
strength and response to adversity.
  Sue, a personal friend of mine, is the president and founder of 
Office Plan, a remanufacturer of office furniture. Starting her 
business in 1991 with three partners and one employee, Sue currently 
employs 33 personnel and has an annual revenue of $4.5 million.
  Office Plan buys outdated cubicles and work stations from businesses 
located throughout the country and refurbishes them on a made-to-order 
basis. Environmental sensitivity is a hallmark of Office Plan. Work 
fabric is recycled or sent out to be made into industrial rags, and 
recycled products and environmentally sensitive materials are used in 
production whenever possible.
  Recently, Office Plan faced a major catastrophe. All of the firms 
computers were stolen and important business information such as 
clients, billing and orders had to be reconstructed. With Sue's 
determined leadership, this was accomplished with minimal disruption. 
Our states and community take great pride in Sue McCloskey's success 
and are pleased with this well deserved recognition.
  Northland Organic Foods Corporation, under the leadership of Peter 
Shortridge, has been recognized as the Small Business Exporter of the 
Year. Northland specializes in exporting organic food including grain, 
soybeans, buck wheat and whole grains. Focusing on research, marketing 
initiatives, educational programs and customer service, Northland has 
opened new markets for U.S. businesses.
  A positive benchmark for hallmark of the Northland Corporation has 
been its outreach to its customers. All staff members speak the 
language of the customers they work with and are knowledgeable about 
the respective cultures and business practices of the specific country 
to which they export.
  Charles Jones, a Minnesota resident, employed with the U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs has been named the National Veterans 
Small Business Advocate. This award is presented to individuals who 
advance small business opportunities for military veterans.
  Charles Jones is a vocational rehabilitation specialist. In that 
position, he helps disabled veterans to get the training and counseling 
needed to return to the world of work. Recognizing the potential for 
self-employment, Charles has worked with the Minnesota Small Business 
Development Centers to help disabled veterans to start a number of 
enterprises including: a gunsmith service, trucking, a restaurant and 
free-lance art. He obviously has worked very successfully to match a 
wide variety of business ventures to the interest of the vets.
  Mr. Speaker, these are the recipients of this year's SBA awards. 
Thanks to their stewardship and dedication, the spirit of 
entrepreneurship is alive and flourishing in Minnesota. My 
congratulations to the award recipients and to all small businesses in 
the state of Minnesota.

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