[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO GUS' GANG

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to an impressive group of community leaders from Pueblo, 
Colorado. These men, driven by a desire to serve their community and 
promote economic development in the city of Pueblo, began meeting every 
week for lunch to discuss problems, and solutions, for issues facing 
their community. As a result, Gus' Gang has been meeting now for over 
thirty-five years and although the membership has changed over the 
years. Their service and loyalty to the community remains a constant.
  Gus' Gang is a group of local businessmen, lawyers, bankers, 
realtors, and public officials that meet every Friday afternoon to 
encourage companies to consider Pueblo when establishing, expanding, or 
relocating their business. The group invites corporate executives to 
lunch and encourages them to locate their companies in Pueblo by 
welcoming and introducing them to leaders in the community. Many 
achievements in Pueblo have been born out of Gus' Gang meetings such as 
the creation of the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, and the 
idea and approval to locate the Colorado Lottery Office in Pueblo.
  The unusual but highly effective meeting venue, Gus', has been 
recognized in several publications and media outlets such as The Rocky 
Mountain News, The Denver Post, The National Geographic and Ripley's 
Believe It or Not, for its western atmosphere and good hometown 
spirits. Some of the founding members of Gus' Gang include: Tommy 
Thompson, Director of the Southeastern Water Conservancy District; Bob 
Ellis, the Vice President of First National Bank; Jade McGuire, the 
President of the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; and Walt Bassett, 
President and CEO of Bassett Construction.
  Mr. Speaker, Gus' Gang is a staple of the Pueblo community, and their 
persistent efforts to attract businesses and corporations to Pueblo has 
helped strengthen their community and the Colorado economy. Gus' Gang 
is a terrific group of dedicated, innovative individuals. It is my 
privileged and honor to recognize their accomplishments and service 
before Congress and this Nation. I thank the members of Gus' Gang for 
all their hard work and commitment, and wish them all the best in their 
future endeavors.

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