[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 35 (Sunday, March 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3104-S3105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO SIDNEY A. GOODMAN

 Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, it broke my heart to miss my good 
friend Sidney Goodman's birthday today. So I wanted to memorialize this 
great occasion in a way that would be remembered. As I told Sidney in a 
letter, if he hadn't made something out of me, I would be there to 
celebrate with him instead of working here in Washington.
  Thomas Jefferson said that, ``The test of every generation is giving 
a better world to its children than it got from its parents.'' By that 
standard, Sidney is one of the greatest of the Greatest Generation.
  As you well know, it is not the years of life but the life in years 
that counts. Sidney has lived many years and lived them to the hilt. He 
has poured so much love and energy into those around him, including me. 
I hope he can receive all the richly deserved honor bestowed on him on 
this special day. He is 1 in 5 billion.
  Sidney A. Goodman is the quintessential entrepreneur, with heart.
  His charisma instantly draws people, and his expectations encourage 
them to become the very best they can be. His uncanny business sense 
makes him the consummate deal maker and natural leader. His honesty, 
integrity and warmth have cultivated thousands of business 
relationships that have become genuine friendships.
  These abilities enabled him to set the foundation of what would 
become the Goodman Group, one of the Nation's most unique and 
innovative privately held companies, in which he is still actively 
involved today. The Goodman Group is made up of: Sage Company, which 
has communities in 11 States

[[Page S3105]]

and has been a national leader in developing and managing commercial 
properties, residential and senior living communities, and health care 
facilities since the 1970s. Sage is actually an acronym for Sidney 
Albert Goodman Enterprises; John B. Goodman Limited Partnership, a 
development and design company; Sage Travel, a full-service travel 
agency.
  Sidney started this organization from a single real estate holding 
which he acquired in 1952. At that time, he had a Hamms beer 
distributorship, which was very successful. However, when Hamms was 
purchased in 1970, he preferred to run his own business. So, like any 
good entrepreneur, he sold it back to them and focused on developing 
his real estate business, Sage Company.
  Through his business dealings, Sidney has been a mentor to hundreds 
of people over the years. He attentively listens to their challenges 
and offers guidance based on knowledge that can only be gained through 
experience. He does more than simply ask people to carry out an action; 
he explains why, based on wisdom that can only be attained from decades 
as a successful businessman.
  Sidney is generous with his knowledge, the most valuable asset anyone 
can have, because he genuinely cares about people. Whether they are an 
assistant or a company president, he sincerely wants to know about 
their life, their hopes, and dreams. He loves to give people the 
opportunity to challenge themselves and expand their horizons. And when 
they think they can't succeed, he is there to tell them they can. And 
they do.
  While Sidney is undoubtedly a very successful businessman, it is this 
concern for every individual that makes him an exceptional human being.
  I am proud to be Sidney Goodman's friend and I wish him a happy and 
blessed birthday celebration.

                          ____________________