[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      HONORING GEORGE ROACH ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE SMITHSONIAN 
     INSTITUTION'S 2000 COMPUTERWORLD PERMANENT RESEARCH COLLECTION

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                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2000

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate Mr. 
George Roach, a constituent and neighbor from Long Island, who as a 
system specialist with the Consolidated Edison Company has recently 
been honored by Computerworld Smithsonian Program (CWSP). Each year the 
CWSP identifies and honors individuals and organizations whose vision 
in the use of Information Technology produces a positive social, 
economic or educational change. The CWSP is considered one of the most 
prestigious awards program in the information technology industry. As a 
2000 laureate, Mr. Roach's pioneering work was inducted into the 
Smithsonian Institution's 2000 Computerworld Permanent Research 
Collection.
  Mr. Roach and his team of Customer Operations, Information Resources 
and Treasury Operations employees were instrumental in implementing Con 
Edison's use of the Intell-A-Check Program. This new development allows 
customers to choose the method of billing that is most appropriate for 
them, whether is be writing a traditional check, using a telephone key 
pad or authorizing payment over the Internet. Customers utilized these 
various electronic payment applications over 1.85 million times in the 
year 1999 alone. Through his innovation, Mr. Roach has significantly 
cut costs and improved customer satisfaction.
  Mr. Roach's work was recognized by Bill Gates, a leading pioneer in 
the technology field. When Roach's efforts came to the attention of the 
prominent Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation, he nominated Roach 
for inclusion in the Smithsonian Institution's Permanent Research 
Collection. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to 
join the Computerworld Smithsonian Program in commending Mr. Roach for 
his ground-breaking work in the field of information technology. On 
behalf of the people of Long Island, I would like to thank Mr. Roach 
for the prestige and high level of technology his work has brought to 
our area of New York.

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