[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JERRY DARNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2006

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jerry Darnell 
of St. Joseph, Missouri. Jerry will soon be retiring from the St. 
Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, after years of distinguished service 
as the Director of the Small Business Development Center.
  As the Director of the Small Business Development Center, Jerry has 
provided free management assistance and guidance to current and 
prospective small business owners all throughout the St. Joseph area. 
He has offered his experience and guidance to the enterprising citizens 
of my district for many years, as those entrepreneurs sought advice on 
the start-up, expansion, sale, and marketing of their business. His job 
is especially important, as the collection of small business owners are 
responsible for the growth and sustainability of our communities.
  Before joining the Chamber in 2001, Mr. Darnell was employed as a 
broker for Citi-Street and served as an instructor at the Johnson 
County Community College. He has had over 10 years of experience in 
commercial lending after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Math 
and Business from Kansas State University and a Masters in Business 
Administration from Louisiana State University. These varied 
experiences have all made for a solid background in advising the small 
businesses of St. Joseph. In the community, Mr. Darnell is active in 
the Boy Scouts of America Diversion Program and the Service Corps of 
Retired Executives.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jerry 
Darnell. His role in developing and assisting the small businesses of 
St. Joseph will be difficult to replace. I commend his record of 
service and accomplishment to the city of St. Joseph over the years and 
I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

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