[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E881-E882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING TOYOTA MOTOR'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY IN GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN CHANDLER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2006

  Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate Georgetown, 
Kentucky, and Toyota for their successful 20-year partnership that has 
resulted in significant opportunities for Georgetown residents and 
substantial growth for Toyota.
  The benefits to Kentucky cannot be overstated. Toyota is among the 
top employers in the Commonwealth, with 7,000 jobs in Georgetown alone. 
That total does not include the many spin-off benefits in terms of 
economic development from the many suppliers and partners that have 
started operations in the vicinity of Georgetown. Kentucky benefits 
from the thousands of secure, well-paying jobs our citizens can be 
proud to go to every day. Supporting economic development is one of my 
most important jobs in Congress. It strengthens families and 
communities, and it makes possible all the promise America has to 
offer--education, reliable health care, a better home, and safe, stable 
communities. We are fortunate to have Toyota help provide that 
environment.
  Toyota, also, has thrived during this 20-year period, thanks to its 
hard-working, dedicated team in Kentucky. Its Georgetown operation now 
produces a half million cars a year, far more than what was projected 
when it opened. During that time, Toyota has become one of the top 
manufacturers of cars, in terms of number and quality, and we in 
Kentucky are proud that those cars are American-made.
  Toyota has given back to Kentucky in so many ways. It is deeply 
involved in our civic life. Toyota provides jobs for Kentucky 
residents, but it also supports our schools and youth programs for the 
next generation. Toyota generates significant tax revenue for Kentucky 
and our cities and counties, but it also participates in our community 
activities, sharing its resources and the time and talents of its 
employees.
  And Toyota foresees even more opportunity in Kentucky. I am pleased 
that it has selected

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Georgetown as the first site in the United States to produce hybrid 
vehicles. Toyota perhaps sees this as a wise investment in a 
potentially rewarding market. I and many in Kentucky see it as an entry 
into a cutting-edge technology that will continue our leading role in 
the U.S. auto industry, and we hope eventually provide an alternative 
for Americans saddled with ever-increasing gas prices.
  This is a happy occasion for Toyota, for Kentucky, and for me 
personally. I hope to see many more such occasions over the coming 
years as Toyota and Kentucky continue to expand their relationship.

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