[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THOMAS CHESTNUT, SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ARIZONA 
                      BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
Thomas Chestnut, a resident of Tucson, Arizona. Recently, Tom was named 
Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Arizona by the U.S. 
Small Business Administration.
  Tom formed Chestnut Construction in 1990, starting with three 
employees. That year, the company had $886,000 in revenue. Today, 
Chestnut Construction is one of the largest and most respected general 
commercial contracting firms in southern Arizona, with 44 employees and 
more than $55 million in revenue.
  Tom believes in commitment and loyalty to his staff, clients, 
subcontractors, and vendors. The majority of Tom's employees hired in 
the first few years of business are with the company today. His first 
contracted client is still one of Tom's most valuable customers.
  As his company has profited, Tom has added more benefits for his 
employees. Today, Chestnut Construction provides its employees with 
healthcare, life and disability insurance, profit sharing, vacation, 
and bonuses that are uncommon in the construction industry or many 
other small businesses. Benefits even include the free use of a 
company-owned cabin.
  Beyond treating its own employees very well, Chestnut Construction 
gets top marks for a hands-on approach in the performance of 
construction projects. Outsiders see that the company has a team 
attitude in their accomplishments.
  Tom's philosophy is to work with the subcontractors and vendors, 
treat them well, pay them on time and build loyalty. It has resulted in 
a reputation of being fair and equitable in all aspects of his 
business. About 85 percent of Chestnut's work comes from repeat 
clients, and almost all advertising is word of mouth.
  The concept of building a better community has double meaning for 
this construction company. Tom strongly urges employees to get involved 
in the community. Last year, donations to charitable organizations in 
cash, in-kind contributions and donated labor were above $60,000.
  Since 1996, Chestnut Construction has won 10 awards in southern 
Arizona, including such categories as general contractor of the year, 
community service, and best place to work. Tom's philosophy has 
resulted in his being elected the founding chairman of the Arizona 
Builders' Alliance and the only general contractor ever honored with 
three Cornerstone Awards, which signify teamwork, quality of product, 
on-time delivery and dedication to the community.
  I congratulate Thomas Chestnut on his Small Business Person of the 
Year award, and I applaud his hard work, his steadfast dedication to 
his profession and commitment to his community.

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