[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 64 (Friday, May 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MANCHESTER AIRPORT

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the outstanding growth of the Manchester Airport. Recently 
it has completed the changes and additions that have been underway for 
the last 8 years helping pave its path as one of the premier airports 
in the state. These changes include a 158,000-square-foot passenger 
terminal with a 70,000-square-foot terminal addition, and a six level 
parking garage and connecting pedestrian walkway. These drastic 
improvements have taken this once small, and seldom used airport and 
turned it into a legitimate point of travel. With all this advancement 
it has been a point of destination for more than 3.2 million passengers 
in 2001.
  In addition, cargo shipping has become a growing factor at the 
Manchester airport as it is now ranked the third largest cargo airport 
in New England. A recent impact report has shown that the business 
related to the airport added 500 million in 1998 and is estimated at 
more than 1 billion annually by 2010.
  Factors such as convenience, ample parking, and greater customer 
service has created an airport that the citizens of Manchester can be 
proud of. I commend Kevin Dillion, airport director of Manchester for 
being named the Travel Person of the Year in 2001. The outstanding 
services available at Manchester will surely be a factor in the growth 
of the airport. This project has truly added to the appeal Manchester 
holds for all travelers. It is an honor and privilege representing the 
good people of Manchester.
 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to a pillar in the entrepreneurial community of New Hampshire. 
Mrs. Annalee Davis Thorndike, the creator and manufacturer of the 
collectible Annalee Dolls, passed away Sunday April 7, 2002, at the age 
of 87. The Annalee Mobilitee Dolls are considered some of the most 
famous manufactured items to come from New Hampshire in the 20th 
century.
  Beginning in 1930, Annalee and her husband took the first step in 
turning her dollmaking hobby into a business. Flourishing, the business 
reached a total of 250 to 300 employees in the Lakes Region. Displaying 
her dolls in the White House at times, Thorndike was awarded the 
``Collectibles and Gift Industry Pioneer Award'' in 1997. Epitomizing 
the American spirit and following through with her dreams, Annalee's 
dolls will always be a proud part of the communities as the greatest 
collectible dolls to ever come from New Hampshire.
  Five years ago Thorndike stepped down from head of operations and 
turned the business over to her sons. New Hampshire is excited to see 
the Annalee Mobilitee Dolls continue to be manufactured in the same 
location they have been since 1955 when Annalee founded the company. 
Today a museum of dolls can be visited at the manufacturing site. A 
true spirit and friend of New Hampshire, Annalee David Thorndike will 
be sorely missed by all citizens of the great state. It is an honor and 
privilege to have represented Mrs. Annalee Davis Thorndike in the U.S. 
Senate.

                          ____________________