[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING GEORGE BARANOWSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 9, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure 
that I stand before you today to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's 
finest citizens, Mr. George Baranowski, of Schererville, Indiana. 
George has always been a dedicated, distinguished, and honorable 
citizen, and I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most 
involved individuals I have ever known. As a businessman, entrepreneur, 
public official, and an avid volunteer, George has served the community 
in Northwest Indiana for many years. Through his service, he has 
brought honor to Americans of Polish heritage, and for his efforts, he 
will be honored with the Polish American Congress Meritorious Service 
Award at a banquet taking place at The Patio Restaurant in 
Merrillville, Indiana on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
  George Baranowski was born on August 30, 1957 at Saint Catherine 
Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. He was the third child born to 
immigrant parents, Mieczyslaw (Matt) and Janina Baranowski. A lifelong 
resident of Northwest Indiana, George attended Saint Casmir Elementary 
School in Hammond before moving on to George Rogers Clark High School. 
Following his graduation from high school in 1975, George went on to 
study Electrical Engineering Technology at Purdue University, where he 
earned both his associate and bachelor degrees.
  After receiving his associate degree, George began working at the 
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), where he remained 
until the completion of his bachelor degree. At that time, he accepted 
a position in management with Acme Steel in Riverdale, Illinois. 
Following seven successful years at Acme, George moved on in 1995, when 
he accepted a management position at BP Amoco in Chicago, Illinois. 
Recognized for his professionalism and leadership abilities, in 1999, 
George was awarded a position as Vice President at Prometheus Network 
Solution, Inc., thus allowing him to obtain one of his lifelong goals.
  Having accomplished a goal he set forth for himself in business, 
George decided to move on, and after working for IBM for a period of 
time, he and his wife went into business for themselves. On October 1, 
2004, George and his wife, Debra, opened their first Allstate Insurance 
Agency in Dyer, Indiana. Since then they have achieved great success, 
having been awarded Allstate's prestigious Honor Ring, Regional 
Champion, and Chairman's Club Member distinctions. In 2007, they were 
among the elite at Allstate as part of the top five percent. It is no 
surprise the couple opened their second branch in 2008.
  Undoubtedly, George Baranowski has been extremely successful as a 
businessman and entrepreneur throughout his career. However, his 
efforts on behalf of his community have truly set him apart from his 
peers. As a public official, George is currently the Commissioner of 
the Dyer Redevelopment Commission and a Trustee for the Lake Central 
School Board. He has also served as Chairman of the Saint John Township 
Board as well as a Legislative Committee Member for the Indiana School 
Board Association, serving all of Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter 
Counties. He has also served as a member of the Chambers of Commerce 
for the communities of Schererville and Dyer, for which he is currently 
the Director. In addition to his many civic responsibilities, George 
has also been extremely active in various charitable and community-
based organizations, including: Christmas in April, the Lions Club, 
Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and the Polish American Congress.
  A devout family man, George spends much of his spare time with not 
only his business partner, but his loving wife of 28 years, Debra. 
George and Debra have two sons, Brett and Bryan, and one daughter, 
Kristy.
  Madam Speaker, George Baranowski has given his time and efforts 
selflessly to the people of his community, and he has served as a 
source of pride for the Polish American community. His efforts have 
touched the hearts of many people throughout the years, and at this 
time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished colleagues join me in 
commending him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

                          ____________________