[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN R. COUTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2008

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Corona, California are exceptional. Corona has been fortunate to have 
dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly 
give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to 
live and work. John Couts is one of these individuals. On May 17, 2008, 
John will be recognized at the Corona-Norco Family YMCA's 13th 
Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards Dinner and will receive the 
YMCA Distinguished Service Award.
  John Couts is President of Couts Heating and Cooling, Inc., a 
mechanical contracting company that has operated in Corona for thirty 
years. Cents Heating and Cooling, established in 1978, owes its long-
standing success to its simple, yet driving business philosophy: 
honesty, integrity, and putting the best interest of the customer 
first. Couts Heating and Cooling, Inc. is a Union Contractor providing 
heating, ventilating and air-conditioning services in addition to 
mechanical piping and energy management controls to commercial, 
industrial, medical and educational facilities.
  The story of Couts Heating and Cooling is a small business success 
story that began with a team of four family members and a determination 
to succeed. From their entrepreneurial beginnings, the business has 
evolved into a major corporation, employing 200 people. A major 
component of the growth of Couts Heating and Cooling has been their 
unwavering commitment to family-owned values.
  John's life has been woven into the fabric of the City of Corona for 
more than three decades. He and his wife, Carolyn, raised and educated 
two daughters in Corona. For many years both Carolyn and John were 
active in booster and fundraising activities for cheerleading and 
athletics, spending countless hours supporting their daughters' 
endeavors. As their children grew into their own lives, John's 
contributions to the community evolved from school and athletic events 
into community causes.
  John currently sits on the Board of the Foundation for Community and 
Family Healthy were he has been instrumental in spearheading and 
promoting an annual giving program that will provide long-term funding 
for the Foundation's countless outreach programs. As a business owner, 
not only has John been extremely active in industry and trade 
associations at a local and state level, he has also been a member and 
active supporter of the Corona Chamber of Commerce. For the past eight 
months, John has shared his professional expertise as a member of a 
selectively chosen group of business owners who comprise the Chamber's 
Legislative Action Committee--monitoring and lobbying to pass 
legislation that will have a positive impact on Corona businesses. John 
and Carolyn also support numerous philanthropic causes and give 
generously to support community programs funded by non-profit agencies.
  John's tireless passion for the high quality of his business and 
community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the 
community of Corona, California. I am proud to call John a fellow 
community member, American and friend. I salute him and thank him for 
his service as he receives the prestigious YMCA Distinguished Service 
Award.

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