[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF LILLIAN VERNON

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                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 14, 2007

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 
80th birthday of Lillian Vernon. Born Lilly Menasche in Leipzig, her 
family fled the perils of World War II and Hitler's Nazi regime in 
1933, fleeing to Amsterdam, Holland then finally to the United States, 
settling in New York City in 1937. There she attended New York 
University for 2 years before getting married.
  In 1951, while 4 months pregnant, Lillian began her mail order 
business with a $495.00 sixth-of-a-page ad for a personalized handbag 
and belt in Seventeen magazine. What started as a simple business run 
out of her kitchen in Mount Vernon, New York, turned into a leading 
catalog and online retailer, with its corporate headquarters in Rye, 
New York. In 1987, Lillian's business became the first woman founded 
and owned business to go public on the American Stock Exchange.
  In addition to Lillian's accomplishments in business, she believes 
strongly in giving back to her community. Her company has donated funds 
and merchandise to more than 5,000 charities, religious, and civic 
organizations. She serves on the boards of several non-profit 
organizations, including the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 
the Virginia Opera and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She 
has spoken at many universities and has received several honors, 
including induction in the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame, the Ellis 
Island Medal of Honor, the Big Brother/Big Sisters National Hero Award 
and the Gannett Newspapers Business Leadership Award.
  At 80 years of age, Lillian continues to strive to be on the cutting 
edge of fashion accessories, exploring new and even more creative 
ideas. She is the proud mother of two sons, Dean Fred P. Hochberg, of 
the New School and David Hochberg, a private consultant. Especially 
committed to encouraging the careers of women, she has been a constant 
supporter and friend. Therefore, it is my pleasure to wish her many 
blessings on her birthday.

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