[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO HAROLD BRAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harold Brake, who has 
played a vital role in the development of the Charles E. Brake Company 
of St. Thomas, Pennsylvania, since he joined them in 1954. Started by 
his father, Charles, in 1924, Harold has carried on the company's 
excavating duties until this day.
  I have had the privilege of watching the Charles E. Brake Company 
succeed in expanding their business operations into other areas of 
Pennsylvania, and even into Maryland. Today, the company has over 100 
employees who have contributed to their community for over 75 years. 
Mr. Harold Brake saw the company develop through its most profitable 
years, as it grew from only six employees in 1954 to the 120 workers 
who are a part of the company today.
  After serving for more than 50 years in the family-owned corporation, 
Harold Brake will soon retire from his duties as the Chairman. Although 
Harold will no longer be the official head of operations, his son, 
Randy Brake, is certain that Harold will always be involved in the 
family business. I owned a small business for years and I understand, 
along with many others across Pennsylvania, the day-in and day-out work 
it takes to succeed. I applaud Harold for his commitment to his 
community and his business.
  As our economy continues to move in the right direction, our small 
businesses are the driving force. These businesses make up our 
communities, neighborhoods, and towns. The Pennsylvanians who have 
benefited from the efforts of the Charles E. Brake Company as a result 
of Harold's continued hard work would certainly join me in thanking 
Harold for his contributions to the community and the economy, as well 
as serving as an inspiration for the spirit of chivalrous virtue.

                          ____________________