[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 7 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. MARK MAASSEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, January 17, 2008-

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration and 
pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the many years of 
dedicated service of Mr. Mark Maassel. Having known Mark for a long 
time, I can truly say that he is one of the most committed, 
knowledgeable, and honorable citizens in Northwest Indiana. Nowhere has 
his knowledge and commitment been more evident than in his faithful 
service as President of Northern Indiana Public Service Company, 
Northern Indiana Fuel and Light, and Kokomo Gas and Fuel for NiSource. 
Mark has served NiSource with over three decades of dedicated 
leadership in different roles throughout the company, and has been a 
constant fixture and involved in virtually all aspects of NIPSCO's 
business. For his efforts, I would like to thank him and extend my best 
wishes for his retirement.
  Mark Maassel has spent his entire life, both professionally and 
personally, working at ways to improve not only NIPSCO, but society as 
a whole. Mark has continuously devoted himself to our community by 
serving on the Board of Directors of several local community 
organizations, such as: the Indiana Humanities Council, the Indiana 
Chamber, the Ivy Tech Foundation and the Northwest Indiana Forum, at 
which he served as Chairman in 2006. During this time, Mark has shared 
his unrivaled expertise and knowledge of his field with local 
organizations. From his service at NIPSCO and NiSource to his work with 
various organizations in Northwest Indiana, Mark has always sought 
opportunities to better our community with his expertise.
  Looking back, it is no surprise that Mark was chosen to lead NIPSCO. 
Following a very successful undergraduate career, earning a Civil 
Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota, Mark was initially 
offered a job at NIPSCO to work on a proposed nuclear plant. Since 
beginning with NIPSCO in the late 1970's, Mark has completely dedicated 
his professional life to the advancement and improvement of the company 
and the quality of life for its customers. Due to Mark's involvement at 
so many levels of NIPSCO's business, his tenure as president will 
forever be remembered.
  Though it may be difficult to imagine where he has found the time, 
Mark has always been a dedicated husband and father, raising three 
children with is wife Christine. They are the proud parents of Jesse, 
Lee and Jill, all now grown. He has also found time to develop several 
hobbies, becoming an accomplished woodworker and golfer, as well as a 
novice runner.
  Madam Speaker, Mark Maassel has devoted his life to improving NIPSCO 
and to serving the people of Northwest Indiana. At this time, I ask 
that you and all of my distinguished colleagues join me in commending 
him for his lifetime of service, perseverance, and dedication. I also 
ask that you join me in wishing him the best of health and happiness in 
the years to come.

                          ____________________