[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. IRV ZAKHEIM

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2008

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Irv Zakheim, recipient of the Eastern Washington University 2008 
Entrepreneur of the Year award. I am pleased to join with the EWU 
Center for Entrepreneurial Activities in honoring Mr. Zakheim as a key 
business leader, locally and globally.
  Built on humble beginnings, Mr. Zakheim has grown his company, Zak! 
Designs, from a small business to a major global competitor with nine 
offices worldwide. Today, anyone with children would recognize the 
products that first brought national attention to Zak! Designs.
  Zak! Designs is a company that creates dinnerware, drinkware and 
lunch kits featuring popular animated characters. They have recently 
added travelware for on-the-go lifestyles, additional products at the 
forefront of tabletop trends, and customized programs that bring fresh 
looks to retailers.
  In addition to his business pursuits, Mr. Zakheim plays an integral 
role in the community. He is the founder of the Zak! Celebrity Open, an 
annual golfing fundraiser that has brought in more than $1.5 million 
for charitable organizations in its eight years of existence. Last year 
alone, the Zak! Celebrity Open raised $450,000 for the Rypien 
Foundation and YWCA's Child and Youth Services.
  Madam Speaker, Irv Zakheim embodies the entrepreneurial and giving 
spirit that makes this country so great. I commend Mr. Zakheim for his 
important contribution to the business community and invite my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating him on receiving this award.

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