[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S7831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO McLANE, GRAF, RAULERSON AND MIDDLETON--NH BUSINESS IN THE 
                           ARTS AWARD WINNER

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to McLane, Graf, Raulerson and Middleton upon their recognition 
as a 2000 New Hampshire ``Business in the Arts'' award winner in the 
medium-sized company category.
  The firm has been a long time contributor to the development of the 
arts in New Hampshire. They not only donate time and money to various 
arts events, but they have established themselves on numerous boards 
and sponsorships and are well-known for distributing complimentary 
tickets to clients and friends. This extensive sponsorship of different 
arts programs is carried out on a more personal level by the firm's 
employees, whose individual contributions of time and money make a 
significant impact on the organizations they support.
  The firm has placed a considerable interest in promoting musical 
events throughout the State, and avidly supports the Opera League of 
New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra, the Portsmouth 
Music Hall, the Concord Community Music School and the Nashua Symphony, 
to name a few. Their list of achievements stretches even further to 
other venues of the arts as well, such as the Palace Theater in 
Manchester, the Currier Gallery of Art and Strawbery Banke, a 
historical site in Portsmouth.
  This strong commitment by the firm to providing the opportunity for 
arts programs to come to the State is truly commendable. The firm 
understands the true importance of the arts in communities, and without 
their generous support, these programs would not be possible. The firm 
has taken on new projects, most notably a year 2000 celebration with 
cultural activities such as a Black Heritage Trail and a YMCA art 
auction. These sort of events enrich the lives of the entire community 
and prove that private businesses can indeed make a huge impact on 
bringing the arts to all citizens. It is an honor to serve the firm and 
its employees in the U.S. Senate.

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