[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 4, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with the utmost sincerity and 
admiration that I rise to commend seven exceptional business leaders 
from Northwest Indiana who will be honored as the inaugural class of 
the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. Created by 
The Times and BusINess magazine, induction into the Indiana Business 
and Industry Hall of Fame is determined by a panel of local civic and 
business leaders. While there were many deserving nominees, the 
individuals selected as the 2008 Indiana Business and Industry Hall of 
Fame inductees are: Mark Maassel, Donald Powers, Mamon Powers, Jr., 
Denis Ribordy, Frank Van Til, Robert Welsh, Jr., and Dean White. For 
their many contributions to the enhancement of Northwest Indiana, these 
honorees will be recognized at a ceremony taking place at the Radisson 
Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana, on Friday, March 7, 2008.
  Mark Maassel is the former president of the Northern Indiana Public 
Service Company (NIPSCO), as well as a leader of the Northwest Indiana 
Forum. For many years, Mark has been seen as an innovative leader, not 
only in terms of his profession, but for his charitable efforts in the 
community as well. In one of many examples, Mark is largely credited 
with bringing together the United Way campaigns throughout Lake, 
Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Indiana. He has also been an active 
leader with the Indiana Humanities Council, the Indiana Chamber of 
Commerce, and the Ivy Tech Foundation.
  Donald Powers is the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of 
Northwest Indiana, Inc. and the Community Healthcare System and the 
founder of a very successful real estate development company. Known 
throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond for his vision and 
determination, Donald is credited with the development of Munster, 
Indiana, as well as the Community Hospital and the Center for Visual 
and Performing Arts. In addition, he has been instrumental in the 
development of the Purdue University-Calumet campus in Hammond, 
Indiana.
  Mamom Powers, Jr. is the president and CEO of Powers and Sons 
Construction Company, Inc., the company founded by his father in 1967. 
After learning the value of hard work and dedication from his father, 
Mamon took over the company and has always found a way to give back to 
his community. Mamon has always been active in serving the youth and 
has been a constant supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest 
Indiana. In addition, he also serves as a trustee with Purdue 
University.
  Denis Ribordy was the owner of Ribordy Drugs, Inc., a very successful 
chain of twenty-six drug stores throughout Indiana, prior to its sale 
in 1985. He was also president and CEO of Ribordy Enterprises, which 
consisted of eight Hallmark stores. Having started his drug store 
business in Gary, Indiana, in 1955, Denis has always remained active in 
the community. Throughout his career, Denis has been recognized on 
numerous occasions for his commitment to Tradewinds and many charities 
throughout his community.
  Frank Van Til is the co-owner of Van Til's supermarket in Hammond, 
Indiana. Raised in the grocery store business, Frank's parents opened 
their first store in Hammond in 1936. The Van Til family eventually 
went into business with the Strack family to create what would become a 
successful chain of 29 supermarkets throughout Indiana and Illinois. 
Although the Strack and Van Til stores were sold in 1998, Frank 
continues to operate Van Til's supermarket in Hammond. Not only did 
Frank learn the grocery business from his father, but he also learned 
the importance of being an active member of the community, and to this 
day, he remains an active member of many civic and charitable 
organizations in Northwest Indiana.
  Robert Welsh, Jr. was the owner of the former Welsh Oil Company and 
is the current CEO and chairman of Welsh Holdings LLC. Throughout his 
career, Robert's innovative thinking has made him a true pioneer in his 
field. As the owner of Welsh Oil Company, he is credited with many 
modern advancements, including self-serve gasoline stations, alcohol-
blended fuels, and food service within gasoline stations. Robert has 
been the recipient of many accolades, not only for his business 
ventures, but also for his constant commitment to his community. Most 
notably, Robert has been recognized as the University of Notre Dame's 
Man of the Year. Always an advocate of the youth, Robert has been an 
active contributor to the Calumet Council of the Boy Scouts of America 
for over 30 years.
  Dean White, CEO of Whiteco Industries, is credited with turning 
Merrillville, Indiana into the retail center that it is today. Dean is 
the founder of the Star Plaza in Merrillville, and he has developed 
much of the surrounding area, which includes hotels, businesses, shops, 
and offices. With business ventures ranging from billboard advertising 
to residential and hotel development to high-technology innovations, 
Dean's holdings include companies local to Northwest Indiana as well as 
businesses throughout the world. While Dean's contributions to business 
and development in Northwest Indiana are well known, it is equally 
important to acknowledge the impact he has made on his community 
through his constant support of local charities and organizations in 
the area.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me 
in commending these outstanding leaders on their induction into the 
Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. These individuals are most 
deserving of being named the Inaugural Class of 2008, and for their 
leadership and commitment to the Northwest Indiana community, each of 
the recipients is worthy of our respect and admiration.

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