[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 189 (Tuesday, December 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE FARMINGTON COMPANY ON ITS 27TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2007

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate the Farmington Company for 27 faithful years of service in 
the insurance industry. Based in Farmington, Connecticut, this local 
company has proven hard work is more than a virtue.
  In 1980, two Connecticut men, Bob Burke and Brad Collins, recognized 
that the majority of America--the Nation's lower and middle wage 
earners were underserved by the insurance community. Understanding the 
opportunity of meeting the insurance needs of the average American, Bob 
and Brad moved forward to develop a company founded on the basic 
principle of ``people helping people.''
  The product of hard work and vision, the Farmington Company has grown 
to national and industry-wide recognition. As a fledgling enterprise, 
the two-man operation of the Farmington Company targeted the New York 
and New England regions. Now, 27 years later, the Farmington Company is 
still led by Bob Burke, the company president and Brad Collins, the 
executive vice president. The company employs more than 150 staff 
members that provide services to thousands of individuals across the 
United States. The 27-year record of success for the Farmington Company 
can be attributed to the heart of the operation--the company's 
dedicated and talented employees. Most notably, it is the hard work and 
leadership of people like Sales Vice President Doug Mantz, Senior Vice 
President Carol Rosenblatt, the New England branch president Jay 
Hershman, regional directors like Ed Calitri and John Lenihan, director 
of corporate services Steve Frankel and finance vice president Chris 
Thaurau that define the success of the Farmington Company.
  In the insurance capital of the world--the State of Connecticut--we 
are proud of companies like the Farmington Company that have long 
worked to create and expand meaningful insurance opportunities for 
those who normally couldn't or wouldn't get insurance. A business built 
on basics, the Farmington Company understands the needs of both 
employers and employees, and most importantly the needs of the 
community. As a company defined with success, I would like to also 
recognize how the Farmington Company gives back to the community. 
Whether supporting the important work of the Jimmy Fund or 
participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign, the 
Farmington Company lives up to their motto of ``people helping 
people.''
  On their 27th anniversary, I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the achievements and important contributions of the Farmington 
Company. I applaud their work in Connecticut and across the country.

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