[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO RITCHIE BERNARD, THE 1999 LONDONDERRY BUSINESS PERSON OF THE 
                                  YEAR

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Ritchie Bernard of Londonderry, New Hampshire, for being 
named the ``1999 Business Person of the Year'' by the Londonderry 
Business Council. I congratulate him for his record of excellence in 
business and community development.
  Ritchie owns the House of Samurai in Londonderry, New Hampshire. 
Dedicated to educating the youth of Londonderry in the martial arts, 
the House of Samurai is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.
  As a devoted contributor to the Londonderry business community, 
Ritchie has served on the Board of Directors of the Londonderry Rotary 
Club, the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Derry Boys 
and Girls Club. His activism extends far beyond the business realm and 
is evident by his participation in various community organizations and 
causes. Ritchie is highly regarded in the Londonderry community and 
across the state for his karate school programs, his support of town 
programs, and his involvement in many volunteer organizations.
  Small business is the backbone of our economy in the United States. I 
am proud to honor Ritchie for preserving and establishing a thriving 
business in New Hampshire. He has devoted himself to working toward the 
betterment of the community through his activism and his desire to 
educate the youth of New Hampshire in the martial arts.
  Mr. President, as a former small business owner myself, I understand 
the demands of running a business. I commend Ritchie for his diligent 
work in his business as well as the devotion he has shown to the 
community. I wish to congratulate Ritchie on receiving this 
distinguished award, and it is an honor to represent him in the United 
States Senate.

                          ____________________