[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 7 (Tuesday, February 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOE WAGNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize an outstanding civic and economic leader from the State of 
Colorado. Joe Wagner of Denver, Colorado has been actively involved in 
improving citizens lives through his many activities in the region. He 
is the founder and operator of one of the state's most successful 
businesses, Wagner Equipment Co, and is a well known activist and 
leader in many community activities. As he celebrates his induction 
into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, I would like to take this 
opportunity to highlight the many achievements and incredible 
dedication that have led to this extraordinary honor.
  Joe founded Wagner Equipment Co., a Caterpillar tractor dealer, in 
1976 after gaining experience as a senior manger for a similar 
operation in North Texas. His desire to begin a business of his own led 
Joe to Colorado, where his business today thrives after 25 years of 
dedicated service to his community. As a result of this success, the 
company is now the Caterpillar dealer for the state, enjoying over 20 
locations in Colorado and internationally in Mongolia and Siberia. 
Wagner equipment employs over 900 workers who serve customers in 
mining, agriculture, forestry, power generation, construction, 
manufacturing, and government, as well as supplying quality Caterpillar 
products to consumers.
  Joe's success in business is one, but not the only, reason for his 
selection as a recipient of this award. Part of the award is based on 
commitment to the community and giving back to those who have supported 
you and allowed for your success. In this endeavor, Joe has been a 
valuable participant. He has been active helping Colorado's youth in 
the Denver Area Council Boy Scouts, the Denver Boys & Girls Club, 
Children's Hospital and the Children's Hospital Foundation. As a local 
businessman, he plays an active role in the Denver Metro Chamber of 
Commerce and as a board member for Wells Fargo Bank. He also remains an 
active member of his church as an elder with Presbyterian Church of the 
Covenant.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly a pleasure to bring forth before this body 
of Congress the names of individuals who have done so much for Colorado 
communities. Joe Wagner has been an active civic, business, and 
religious leader and patron for Colorado. I would like to further 
extend my congratulations on the award and thank him for all his 
efforts in improving his fellow Coloradoan's lives. Congratulations 
Joe, and good luck in your future endeavors.

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