[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING A.P. MERRITT AS SBA'S 2007 SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to 
honor A.P. Merritt of Merritt Tool Company in Kilgore, TX, as the U.S. 
Small Business Administration's (SBA) regional Small Business Person of 
the Year 2007 Award Recipient.
  Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes 
individuals on a State, district, and national level for their 
performance, commitment, and support of small businesses in the Nation. 
Merritt, the president of Merritt Tool, was presented the Small 
Business Person of the Year Award at a special awards ceremony in April 
of this year for his diversification efforts, success in earning 
government contracts, business growth and community service. Merritt 
Tool Company (MTC) is a modern machine shop manufacturing facility, 
specializing in complex milling, turning, grinding and assembly, 
serving customers in the aerospace, energy and commercial industries. 
The company was founded in 1928 and today employs about 100 workers in 
its machine shop and metal operation in Kilgore.
  In conjunction with the honor of receiving this prestigious award, 
Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt proclaimed that the 16th day of May be 
known as A.P. Merritt Day in Gregg County, Texas, for years to come.
  Madam Speaker, I am extremely proud of A.P. Merritt's 
accomplishments, his consistency in business and his continued 
leadership in the Kilgore community. I ask that my colleagues join me 
in honoring a man who represents the best in entrepreneurial spirit, 
Mr. A.P. Merritt.

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