[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING AN OUTSTANDING EMPLOYER--DOUGLASS DISTRIBUTING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill and 
Joan Davis, owners of Douglass Distributing an ``Outstanding Employer 
of Older Workers for 2002''. Douglass Distributing has established a 
long-term commitment to the region of North Texas and Southern 
Oklahoma, proven by their community partnerships and contributions to 
local service organizations. For this reason, they have been selected 
as one of Prime Time's Outstanding Employers of Older Workers award 
winners.
  Since 1981, the Douglass family has shown a strong belief in the 
value of older workers and has supported that belief by maintaining an 
age-balanced group of employees. They have been a family owned and 
operated petroleum products distributor in Sherman, Texas who view 
older workers as ``productive, reliable, and versatile with a strong 
work ethic.'' Their winning combination of younger workers and their 
older counterparts create a work environment where age and experience 
can assist in training, advice, and counseling.
  Owners Bill and Joan Douglass have created an outstanding company 
that is a role model for a nation and state whose workforce is rapidly 
aging and whose businesses are facing a shortage of skilled, reliable 
workers. Douglass Distributing has led the way by putting their faith 
and trust in older workers who bring valuable experience, skills and 
work habits to the job. The company has no mandatory retirement age and 
provides flexibility in scheduling of employees' hours. They also 
believe that expertise and a positive attitude are the most important 
qualities in an employee, regardless of his or her age.
  Douglass Distributing has shown a new path and winning blueprint for 
success. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us acknowledge the 
contributions and the achievements of Douglass Distributing and Bill 
and Joan Douglass, as they have shown the business world a new model of 
distribution worthy of replication and appreciation.

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