[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 116 (Thursday, July 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING RONALD SHAW, CHAIRMAN OF PILOT PEN CORPORATION OF AMERICA, ON 
                     THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2007

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to join the many family, friends, colleagues and community 
leaders who have gathered to pay tribute to one of our most influential 
and successful business leaders, Ronald Shaw, as he celebrates his 
retirement from Pilot Pen Corporation of America after more than three 
decades of dedicated service.
  When one thinks of industry leaders, Ron Shaw is a name that comes to 
mind immediately. If you know Ron, it is not difficult to believe that 
he began his career as a stand-up comedian--opening for the likes of 
Rosemary Clooney, Dean Martin, Connie Francis, and even Liberace. 
Ironically, it was through learning to ``sell himself'' that he 
developed his keen business sense. Knowing that the life of a stand-up 
comic was not conducive to his new found family life, Ron left the 
stage to, as he says, ``get a real job.''
  Joining Pilot Pen in 1975, the company has flourished under his 
leadership. In the three decades during which Ron has been with the 
company, sales have grown from $1 million annually to nearly $200 
million. It has been through his vision and leadership that the company 
has continued to expand both in size and markets. Look around you and 
very shortly you will inevitably find one of their many products. From 
the pens we use every day to your child's Magna Doodle, Pilot Pen 
products are everywhere. It is no wonder that Ron is one of only six 
Americans to have served on the Board of Directors on any publicly held 
Japanese company.
  From local companies such as Laticrete International, the Shubert 
Theater, and the University of New Haven to national organizations like 
the Anti-Defamation League, Larry King Cardiac Foundation, and the City 
of Hope National Medical Center, Ron has dedicated countless hours to 
industry and civic organizations focused on enriching the lives of our 
citizens. Ron has always wanted to make a difference in the lives of 
others--especially our young people. Inspiring our youth was the 
impetus behind the writing and publication of his book, ``Pilot Your 
Life.'' Wanting the book to serve as a career guide to college 
graduates, he hoped that in reading about his own experiences, they 
could learn from his mistakes and take advantage of some of the 
opportunities he did not. Ron has always held a strong belief in the 
American Dream--the opportunity to build your own business and make 
your own success--his parting advice in his book and a lesson that he 
certainly imparted to his own children, all of whom are small business 
owners today.
  I have been fortunate to know Ron for many years and have always been 
grateful for his special friendship. For his many outstanding 
contributions, both professional and personal, I am pleased to join his 
wife, Phyllis, his children; Steven and his wife Carrie, Susan and her 
husband Michael, as well as Alan and his wife Nancy, his five 
grandchildren; Lauren, Bryan, Stephanie, Jacob, and Yael; and all of 
those gathered this evening in extending my sincere thanks and 
heartfelt congratulations to Ronald Shaw as he celebrates his 
retirement. My very best wishes for many more years of health and 
happiness.

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