[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 68 (Friday, May 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING WALDO ``WALLY'' SMEBY, 2004 IOWA SMALL BUSINESSMAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2004

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an accomplished 
small businessman from my Congressional District. Waldo ``Wally'' 
Smeby, President of Metalcraft, Inc. in Mason City, Iowa was recognized 
by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Iowa Small Business 
Person of the Year. Next week Mr. Smeby will join other accomplished 
small business people in Orlando, Florida as the Small Business 
Administration will award the National Small Business Person of the 
Year.
  Wally is well deserving of this recognition.
  Wally first joined Metalcraft as an assistant controller in 1959, and 
in the true spirit of the American Dream, began working his way up. He 
went on to become controller, sales and marketing director, general 
manager, and finally company president from 1988-1993. In 1993, after 
the passing of founders of the company, Wally purchased the company.
  His entrepreneurial achievements have established Metalcraft with 
worldwide sales of over $7 million and 70 employees. The majority of 
the growth and success the company has enjoyed has come while Wally was 
in a leadership position.
  Wally's dedication and work provides benefits to the entire country. 
Small businesses are the engine of the American economy, as they 
represent 99.7 percent of all employers.
  As his Congressman, and fellow small businessman, I join with all 
Iowans in wishing Wally the best of luck next week. And, I thank him 
for the work he has done for his community, his state, and his country.

                          ____________________