[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING WILBUR YACHTS

 Ms. SNOWE. Madam President, growing and maintaining a 
successful small business is often challenging, but in the end, many 
find that the rewards are beyond measure. Even more difficult can be 
forming a successful and environmentally conscientious business, but 
with the extra trials come even greater benefits. I wish to honor a 
small business from my home State of Maine that has risen to the top 
and has been recognized for its unsurpassed efforts in sustaining an 
environmentally friendly business. For 35 years, Wilbur Yachts of 
Southwest Harbor has helped to set the standard in the field of custom 
motorboat construction, and for the last several years, the firm has 
become an unparalleled leader in helping to challenge Maine's marine 
industry to protect the State's pristine environment.
  In 1973, Lee Wilbur left the field of education to become a boat 
builder. Over the next 28 years, because of Mr. Wilbur's stalwart 
resolve and unrelenting desire to effect positive change, he 
transformed Wilbur Yachts into a company that is widely respected both 
in Maine and nationwide for its high-quality boats and commitment to 
environmental excellence. For years, Mr. Wilbur collaborated with other 
boat makers, building vessels for a diverse array of clients ranging 
from the Smithsonian Institution to pop singer Billy Joel. In 2001, Mr. 
Wilbur and his wife Heidi sold the business to their daughter Ingrid 
and her husband John Kachmar, who have embraced the longstanding 
tradition of providing unrivaled products while remaining globally 
aware. Under their leadership, the company has soared to even newer 
heights.
  This year, Wilbur Yachts celebrated its 35th anniversary, hosting 
owners of boats which the firm has built for a traditional Marine 
lobster bake. Coming from every corner of the globe, the owners of this 
impressive international fleet are a testament to the exceptional 
nature of Wilbur's yachts. Over the years, the firm's remarkable crafts 
have been lauded by the likes of Power Cruising, Power & Motoryacht, 
and Motorboating magazines.
  Just as impressive as the company's proud history and enduring 
commitment to excellence is Wilbur Yachts' dedication to protecting the 
environment in which it works. The State of Maine recently awarded 
Wilbur Yachts the gold certification in its Maine Clean Boatyards and 
Marinas Program. The program identifies and highlights companies that 
meet or exceed Federal and State environmental standards in five 
specific areas of evaluation, including waste disposal and storage, and 
boat sewage and pump-outs. This honor is truly unparalleled, as to date 
no other boatyard has been acknowledged with this designation, the 
program's highest level of recognition. While Wilbur Yachts had 
previously held the silver certification, the most recent evaluation by 
an independent panel gave the company perfect ratings in all five 
groups.
  Second-generation owners Ingrid and John Kachmar have led Wilbur 
Yachts to improve safety and reduce environmental impact while 
simultaneously cultivating a company where, according to its motto, 
``Maine Tradition Meets Modern Technology.'' I applaud both the 
company's owners and its employees for all of their efforts in 
producing yachts in an environmentally responsible manner and wish them 
the best of luck for the future.

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