[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO GARY GRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I rise before you today to honor Gary Gray, a 
constituent of mine from Adrian, Michigan whose accomplishments and 
accolades are many.
  Mr. Gray is the recipient of the Lenawee County Chamber of Commerce 
1998 Small Business Person of the Year Award. This distinguished honor 
is bestowed upon those individuals who have not only created and guided 
successful businesses but have made an even greater contribution 
through their selfless giving to those in their community.
  Gary Gray, a nationally recognized physical therapist, grew up in the 
city of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Upon graduating from the University of 
Indiana in 1976, he began his professional career as Director of 
Physical Therapy at Bixby Hospital in Adrian, Michigan. He continues to 
enjoy Adrian as his home.
  In 1986 Gary opened the doors of Gary Gray Physical Therapy Clinic, 
Inc. in Adrian with two employees. Nearly thirteen years later this 
thriving company has grown into three sites employing 35 employees.
  Upon realizing the critical need this country has for continuing 
education in rehabilitation, he began Wynn Marketing, Inc. in 1988. 
Through the years, Wynn Marketing has produced 95 seminars throughout 
the nation, presenting innovative, practical and enlightening 
rehabilitation seminars to over 10,000 physical therapists, athletic 
trainers, orthopedic physicians and chiropractors. The closeness of his 
family life is revealed in the fact that his mother and father are the 
hosts and coordinators of these seminars.
  Gary continues to be a consultant to various college and professional 
athletic teams around the country as well as educational institutions. 
He is the author of several published articles and manuals on 
rehabilitation and prevention. Recognized by various physical therapy 
schools around the nation, many of these are required reading in the 
physical therapy curriculum.
  Recognized as a successful inventor of rehabilitation equipment, Gary 
opened the doors of Functional Designs in 1997. The purpose of this 
company is to develop and market many of Gary's inventors i.e. the Golf 
Gazebo, the Stretch Frame and the Pyramid Strider.
  Gary Gray consistently supports community projects, especially those 
involving youth. He developed the ``Hot Rock'' boys basketball camp in 
1989. This two week summer camp of basketball ministry combines the 
unique blend of both sport and Christ in the lives of the youth today. 
This past summer's Hot Rock was enjoyed by over 120 young boys and 
remains fully sponsored by Gary.
  Realizing the need was also there for the young girls of the 
community, Gary developed ``Girls of Summer'' in 1995. Over 70 girls 
were ministered to this past summer, again combining the blend of 
basketball and Christ.
  Beginning his 5th year as the assistant varsity basketball coach at 
Lenawee Christian High School is one of the positions Gary holds most 
dear. His love of Christ and family is prevalent to all who know him. 
His lovely wife of 22 years, Cindi, is also known as an excellent 
speaker and leader in the community. He has two wonderful sons of whom 
he is very proud: Brad, a freshman at Cornerstone College and Doug, a 
junior at Lenawee Christian High School.
  I want to commend Gary Gray for all of his achievements. He truly is 
deserving of the Lenawee Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Person of 
the Year Award.

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