[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 88 (Tuesday, June 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING THE PHOENIX COMPANIES

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                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
The Phoenix Companies on its active commitment to Connecticut's capital 
of Hartford. Phoenix restated that commitment today with the 
celebration of three events significant to the city where it has 
operated since its founding in 1851. In that time, the Phoenix has 
evolved into a leading financial services company specializing in life 
insurance, annuities and asset management.
  The company has returned all of its Connecticut operations to 
Hartford, and today welcomes back 450 employees who have relocated 
there. In February, the Phoenix's distinctive two-sided headquarters 
that is a signature of Hartford's skyline was added to the National 
Register of Historic Places. Considered a classic example of Modernist 
architecture, the building was designed in the early 1960s by Max 
Abramovitz, who is widely acclaimed for his role in designing the 
United Nations and Lincoln Center. The Phoenix is undertaking a major 
$25 million renovation to update its landmark boatshaped building into 
a state-of-the art office building while maintaining its exceptional 
architectural integrity.
  As The Phoenix renovates its home, it has also reached out to help 
the citizens of Hartford become home-owners. Its philanthropic arm, The 
Phoenix Foundation Inc., is providing a $100,000 grant to The 
Neighborhoods of Hartford, Inc., which is responsible for implementing 
Mayor Eddie Perez's homeownership initiative. The Foundation's grant 
will reinforce and extend the initiative, providing funding for 
additional projects designed to tip transition neighborhoods into 
healthy ones. Last year, The Foundation's grants totaled $1.36 million, 
almost all of which went to Hartford-area organizations.
  The Phoenix's investments and active participation in the city is 
admirable, and its embrace of its community roots is to be applauded.

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