[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ELAINE MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Elaine Martin of 
Nampa, ID, on receiving the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. 
Elaine was a struggling farmer in 1985 when she decided to enter the 
highway contracting business. With a $25,000 loan from her widowed 
mother she started a highway fencing company that, within a few years, 
became one of the largest guardrail companies in the western United 
States. Elaine's company, MarCon, now grosses over $8 million a year, 
and has grown from 5 employees to more than 26 full-time employees. 
Starting with no knowledge of highway contracting, she's had the 
courage to explore every aspect of the business, from working alongside 
her crews to fighting red tape on behalf of contractors and small 
businesses everywhere. Elaine Martin has been a tremendous success, and 
Idahoans are extremely proud of her and the well deserved recognition 
she's received.

                          ____________________