[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 116 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF OPPORTUNITY, INC. ON THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2001

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Opportunity, Inc. an 
exceptional organization located in Highland Park, Illinois. This 
extraordinary enterprise is a fine example of the initiative needed to 
help more people move from welfare to work allowing them to pursue the 
American dream.
  Opportunity, is a not-for-profit contract manufacturer that employs 
over 125 persons, most of whom have developmental, physical and/or 
emotional disabilities. Founded in 1976, the company's mission is both 
to provide a mainstream plant environment in which ``Handicapable'' 
people can reach their full potential by working and earning a paycheck 
and to provide customers such as Baxter International, Allegiance 
Healthcare, Searle, Gerber, UreSil, and Medline with the best possible 
service.
  As everyone understands, budget constraints compel us to look for 
ways to effectively address important needs without government 
subsidies, and Opportunity is leading the way in this regard. A model 
of community response, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the company 
demonstrates how competitive and productive ``Handicapable'' employees 
can be.
  When I visited Opportunity, I learned that it's business success, 
while impressive, pales in significance to the positive contributions 
it has made to its employees' lives. I experienced firsthand how proud, 
dedicated and competitive they are. Clearly, Opportunity is an 
organization that lives up to its name.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a congressional district that 
includes enterprises of this caliber. It is my pleasure to salute the 
employees, management and directors of Opportunity as they celebrate 
their 25th Anniversary on September 15, 2001 at a gala dinner with 
Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Baxter International.

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