[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 97 (Friday, June 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO HARLON BRANDON

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Harlon Brandon. 
Harlon is an award winning footwear designer with a penchant for giving 
back to his community. He is a native New Yorker, who attended New 
York's School of Visual Arts earning a Fine Arts degree. Upon 
graduation in the early 80s, he decided to pursue a career in 
advertising.
  Harlon Brandon began his career as an Art Director with Foote, Cone & 
Belding, focusing on fashion and beauty accounts. He continued his 
advertising career at Lockhart & Pettus, as an Executive Director and 
Art Director. While at Lockhart & Pettus he received the CEBA award for 
``Advertising and Communications to the African-American Community.''
  Harlon Brandon later took a shoe design course. He was encouraged by 
his professor to enter a footwear design competition where he took home 
the top prize for Women's Shoe Design. Following that, he spent years 
designing shoes throughout the world for well-known designers Tommy 
Hilfiger, Christian Dior and Puma. After many years of designing for 
others he stepped out on his own and launched his footwear line, Harlon 
Brandon Footwear.
  Harlon Brandon received the ``Innovator Award'' by the Black 
Retailers Action Group in 2004. He was featured on CBS News in a 
segment about small business success stories and more recently, he was 
nominated for the Black Enterprise ``Emerging Company of the Year 
Award''.
  Harlon Brandon is not only recognized for his achievements in design, 
but for his enumerable contributions to the youth in his community. He 
was featured on WPIX-TV for his tireless community work and his 
unwavering commitment to mentoring urban high school students.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Harlon Brandon is a 
shining example of where hard work and perseverance can lead.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to a 
man who encourages our youth in putting their best foot forward.

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