[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 151 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL ZIEGLER AND PRIDE INDUSTRIES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 1, 1999

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Michael Ziegler and 
PRIDE Industries. On November 5, 1999, the United Cerebral Palsy 
Association of Sacramento is presenting their most prestigious 
Humanitarian Award to Mr. Ziegler. As friends and associates of Mr. 
Ziegler and the United Cerebral Palsy Association gather to celebrate, 
I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting this special occasion.
  The United Cerebral Palsy Association's Humanitarian Award is given 
annually to ``individuals or organizations who have displayed a passion 
for life and a sincere desire to work toward enhancing the lives of 
others.'' Those who receive this award have fulfilled their passion and 
desire through extensive community involvement.
  As president and chief executive officer of PRIDE Industries, Michael 
Ziegler has exemplified that passion and desire. He has been the 
guiding force behind PRIDE Industries' mission to offer employment to 
an ever-expanding number of individuals with disabilities. While 
maintaining a successful business, Mr. Ziegler has been able to 
significantly increase the employment rate of handicapped people in the 
Sacramento area.
  Under the leadership of Michael Ziegler, PRIDE Industries has strived 
to meet four core values: mission, people, customers, and culture. 
Through their mission of creating good jobs for people with 
disabilities, they are working toward creating a challenging and 
rewarding environment. Energized by the fact that their efforts make a 
positive difference in the community, Mr. Ziegler is committed to 
establishing PRIDE Industries as a competitive and thriving company.
  The road to success for PRIDE Industries has spanned several areas. 
Over the years, it has gone from a non-profit organization to a 
government-funded agency and finally to a privately-funded corporation. 
Mr. Ziegler has enabled PRIDE Industries to become one of the fastest-
growing private companies in Greater Sacramento with mostly disabled 
employees.
  As a result of increased demand for its manufacturing and service 
contracts, PRIDE Industries expects to add nearly 200 employees over 
the next 12 months. The company has service contracts in such areas as 
custodial work, groundskeeping, recycling, building maintenance, and 
various other service contracts for Air Force bases.
  In addition to service contracts, PRIDE Industries has thrived in 
electronic contract manufacturing. It makes printed circuit boards, 
assembles and repairs electronics products, and even manufactures its 
own brand of snowshoes.
  Mr. Ziegler has built PRIDE Industries into a thriving business 
recognized around the world for its success and direction. He has 
brought self respect and hope to many people with disabilities while 
maintaining and operating a successful business.
  Mr. Speaker, as the United Cerebral Palsy Association convenes to 
present Michael Ziegler with their Humanitarian Award, I am honored to 
pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most outstanding citizens. His 
contributions to disabled people and the community of Sacramento are 
commendable. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing Mr. 
Ziegler and PRIDE Industries continued success in all their future 
endeavors.

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