[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 59 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING K.S. OF WEST VIRGINIA

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I would like to 
recognize and celebrate the recent expansion of K.S. of West Virginia. 
It seems like just a short time ago, in August of 1995 to be precise, 
that I had the privilege of announcing that this Japan-based company 
would be moving to Ravenswood, West Virginia.
  Remarkable things have happened since that day almost five years ago. 
At that time, just two Japanese firms called West Virginia home. Today, 
I am honored to say that seventeen Japanese companies are thriving in 
our state, creating good paying jobs that support both families and 
communities.
  K.S. of West Virginia has played an important role in that success, 
and I would like to personally extend my gratitude to the Kato family 
for their unwavering support and belief in us. Our efforts in Japan 
would surely suffer were it not for the positive voices of our friends 
here at K.S. Indeed, Mr. Kato's enthusiasm and excitement about West 
Virginia is unmistakable and contagious. West Virginia has found a 
valuable ally and a good friend in Mr. Kazuo Kato, and his tireless 
work continues to be appreciated.
  Too often in this country we have witnessed the destruction of 
families and whole communities as the result of the corporate 
philosophy of the bottom line. However, companies like K.S. of West 
Virginia, who recognize the importance of their employees and 
communities, demonstrate that compassion and sound judgement are the 
real keys to success. K.S. is an example of the kind of company that 
truly deserves our praise and support.
  There is no clearer example of this than an issue Mr. Kato and I have 
been working on over the past year. As the leader of K.S., Mr. Kato 
faced a difficult situation with costly ramifications. Yet, instead of 
maintaining the status quo, Mr. Kato made a series of innovative 
decisions that will have far-reaching effects for both K.S., and the 
U.S. steel industry.
  Not only a leader in the business world, K.S. has shown leadership in 
the West Virginia community, as well. Companies like K.S., who believe 
that their success is measured not just by overall profit margins, but 
by the amount that is shared with the people who make them profitable, 
teach us a valuable lesson in management, ethics, team work and mutual 
respect. This philosophy is as ancient as Confucius or the Bible, and 
as relevant as the news you read in this morning's paper.
  Indeed, there are 115 individuals who have contributed to the 
prosperity of K.S. of West Virginia. Their hard work is not taken for 
granted, and as this company grows, so does the value of their loyalty. 
We are blessed in West Virginia to have parents and grandparents who 
taught their children that by working hard and playing by the rules a 
person can be successful--each employee at K.S is a reflection of this 
tradition and a credit to our State.
  As part of his core teaching, Confucius emphasized that people in 
positions of leadership have a sacred obligation to serve those who 
have entrusted them with power. If this power is abused, then the 
entire system would break down, dooming any enterprise. Thus, I am 
proud to add my voice to the collective celebration of the success we 
are witnessing at K.S. of West Virginia. To Mr. Kato and his family, 
and all the members of K.S. of West Virginia, I extend my thanks and 
congratulations. You have demonstrated that by working together, 
unattainable dreams can become reality.

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