[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE A&F WOOD PRODUCTS FOR EARNING THE 2004 SECRETARY OF 
                  LABOR'S NEW FREEDOM INITIATIVE AWARD

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                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2004

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize A&F 
Wood Products, a family-owned and operated business in Howell, MI, for 
earning the 2004 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. 
Founded upon the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New 
Freedom Initiative works to ensure that Americans with disabilities 
have the same opportunities to learn and develop skills, engage in 
productive work and make choices about their daily lives to participate 
fully in their communities. A&F Wood Products is just one of five 
companies nationwide to be recognized for their commitment to these 
ideals.
  A&F Wood Products has embraced the philosophy on which the New 
Freedom Initiative was founded. Working with Michigan Rehabilitation 
Services, A&F Wood Products is able to provide employment opportunities 
to individuals with disabilities through accessibility support, 
training, and a user-friendly workplace environment. Today, 35 percent 
of A&F Wood Products' workforce are persons with disabilities.
  Mr. Speaker, when President Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative 
in 2001, unemployment for the disabled was as high as 70 percent by 
some estimates. Today, businesses like A&F Wood Products are working 
feverishly to slash that number. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing A&F Wood Products for earning the 2004 Secretary of Labor's 
New Freedom Initiative Award and for their commitment to the disabled.




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