[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E920-E921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DEE THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KAREN L. THURMAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 1999

  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Delores L. ``Dee'' 
Thomas, a successful businesswoman in my district who this month became 
the first woman to chair the national ESOP Association.
  The association is made up of twenty-one hundred members representing 
nearly one million employee business owners across the country who 
participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, known as an ESOP.
  Ms. Thomas is well prepared for this leadership position. She 
cofounded a company 30 years ago that is still operating successfully 
today in New Port Richey and Sebring, FL.
  The company, called Ewing & Thomas, is the only physical therapy 
company in the country that is 100 percent employee owned through an 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
  Ms. Thomas is a true advocate of ESOP companies. She testified before 
the full Ways and Means Committee in March about the many benefits of 
these type of employee-owned businesses. She said, ``We believe that 
significant employee ownership does improve performance of a 
corporation, and just as important does maximize human potential and 
self-dignity of all employees as they share in the wealth they help to 
create.''
  She cites her company as proof.
  At Ewing & Thomas, where she is vice-president, employee owners are 
represented on all levels of the board of directors and participate in 
the company's decision making. In her testimony, Ms. Thomas said, 
``Each day incredible unselfish acts are performed by this group of 
employee owners.''
  Ms. Thomas may have given away some control and power when she 
decided to convert her business to employee ownership. But in return, 
she gained more than she ever though possible. The company's stock 
price and annual sales are way up, and the employees genuinely care 
about the company's future.
  Ms. Thomas is an American success story. Through compassion, caring 
and of course hard work, she's moving up in the business world. But 
she's holding on to her principles and giving a hand up to those around 
her. That's her way. I also believe that's the American way.
  Today, I'm not simply paying tribute to a friend and a constituent. 
I'm honoring a special woman who is committed to fairness and high 
performance. And I'm confident in this new leadership role, she will 
help more employee owners achieve their dreams and prosper. That too is 
her way. Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in 
paying tribute to Ms. Dee Thomas, chair of the national ESOP 
Association.

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