[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1293-E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MICHAEL LIN AS GUAM'S SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, the Guam Chamber of Commerce annually 
selects the ``Small Business Person of the Year'' from a pool of 
individuals or business partners owning and operating or bear principal 
responsibility for small business establishments on Guam. The chamber 
takes into account staying power, sales growth, growth in payroll, 
innovativeness in product or service, response to adversity, and civic 
contributions. This year the honor was bestowed upon Michael Shih Lin, 
the president of Hornet International Inc.
  In 1973, Michael Lin was on a business trip to Brazil as a Chemical 
Engineer and Manager for Taiwan Cyanamid Company, a subsidiary of its 
American counterpart. On his way back, his flight stopped over on Guam 
and upon recognizing the potential, he returned in 1973 and opened a 
retail store selling bicycles and skateboards.
  Through the years, this business, now known as Hornet International, 
Inc., has grown steadily. The company's decision to expand from a 
skateboard and bicycle store to a full sporting goods store is a clear 
turning point. Starting with only one employee in 1974, Hornet, at one 
time, employed thirty-nine full-time employees at four locations.
  Over the last two decades Michael's company has survived major 
typhoons, a disastrous fire, and intense competition from off-island 
retailers. In the face of adversity, Hornet has taken steps to expand 
its sales base. Since 1997, the company has imported bicycle parts from 
China and Taiwan for resale to retailers and importers. Their goal of 
importing bicycle parts and assembling them for resale in the United 
States is coming to fruition with the establishment of the company's 
California operations. Hornet's success is undoubtedly due to Michael's 
business acumen and innovations.
  Taking time out of his business ventures, Michael also devotes his 
personal time and resources to civic activities. He has served on the 
board of the American Red Cross, Guam Chapter. During his tenure as 
president, the Rotary Club of Northern Guam was named the ``Most 
Outstanding Club in District 2750''. He was instrumental in the 
establishment of the Rotary Club of Guam Sunrise in 1997 and he 
currently serves as Vice Chairman for the Friendship Committee for 
District 2750 which includes Rotary Clubs from Japan. Michael was also 
the chapter president of the Chinese Merchants Association during its 
inception in 1993 and served through Chinese New Year of 1997. In 
addition, Michael also serves as a member of the Governor's Council of 
Economic Advisors, as a Board Member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, 
the University of Guam Pacific Islands Small Business Development 
Center Network, and the Navy League of the U.S. Guam Council.
  For over two decades, Guam's small business community has benefited 
from Michael Lin's efforts and dedication. I join the Guam Chamber of 
Commerce and the people of Guam in celebrating Michael's contributions

[[Page E1294]]

and success and congratulate him for being chosen as ``1998's Small 
Business Person of the Year.''

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