[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO GULF COPPER & MANUFACTURING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, on February 27, the Galveston Chamber of 
Commerce will present its business of the year award to Gulf Copper & 
Manufacturing Corporation, Gulf Copper, in recognition of the many 
contributions that it has made to the Galveston community. I am pleased 
to join my friends from the Galveston Chamber of Commerce in paying 
tribute to Gulf Copper.
  Gulf Copper is an employee-owned company that has been in existence 
for over 50 years. Originally specializing in the installation of 
copper tubing on marine vessels, Gulf Copper has since expanded into 
the offshore, military marine, petrochemical, and industrial markets 
with base services including full topside marine repair, steel 
fabrication, steel and mechanical repair, machining, painting, and 
blasting. These expansions of service are helping Gulf Cooper achieve 
their objective of being the preferred provider of marine and 
industrial fabrication and repair services in the Texas gulf coast.
  Gulf Copper's customer list includes most major U.S. commercial ship 
operators as well as the U.S. Government Maritime Administration, Coast 
Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Military 
Sealift Command.
  Gulf Copper's success has brought many benefits to Galveston. For 
example, Gulf Cooper is responsible for pumping a seven-digit revenue 
stream into the Port of Galveston. Gulf Cooper is also a source of 
employment for many residents of Galveston County. In June 2007, Gulf 
Copper Dry Dock and Rig Repair added an additional 683 employees to its 
already large staff. Gulf Copper has also helped attract London-based 
Rolls Royce Commercial Marine to the Galveston area.
  Gulf Copper also benefits the people of Galveston by serving as a 
model of corporate civic involvement. The company has helped promote 
Galveston's Oceans of Opportunities Job Fair and works with Galveston 
College to promote Workforce Investment Act-funded welding and pipe 
fitting classes.
  Gina Spagnola, president of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, said 
that Gulf Copper deserves this award because: ``They are actively 
involved in the Galveston community and have made a positive impact on 
both employers and workers. This chamber and the City of Galveston are 
grateful for Gulf Copper's commitment to our community.''
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join the Galveston Chamber of Commerce 
in honoring the management and staff of Gulf Copper for all of their 
contributions to the economy and community of Galveston, Texas.

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