[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 4, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING GENEST CONCRETE

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, 2 weeks ago, our Nation witnessed 
history when Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United 
States. I am proud to say that the Sanford High School marching band, 
from my home State of Maine, was able to participate in the remarkable 
parade following the inauguration. This would not have been possible 
without the generosity of many individuals and businesses across 
southern Maine. I rise today to recognize one of the companies that 
made a significant donation toward the band's trip, Genest Concrete.
  A family-owned small business manufacturing architectural, 
landscaping and masonry products, Genest Concrete was founded over 70 
years ago by Hermangilde Genest. The company started simple, producing 
hand-pressed concrete blocks with materials mined from Mr. Genest's 
gravel pit. Over the years, four generations of the Genest family have 
continually strived to make their company more innovative and cutting 
edge, eventually becoming one of the largest manufacturers and 
distributors of masonry products in New England. Headquartered in 
Sanford, Genest also has locations in Biddeford and Windham, with 
authorized dealers throughout northern New England and Massachusetts.
  Genest Concrete provides landscape contractors, homeowners, masons, 
architects and engineers with dozens of durable and superior concrete 
and masonry products. From stormwater brick to a variety of paving and 
wall stones, Genest has all the essential tools for producing unique 
driveways, patios, paths, and freestanding and retaining walls.
  More than just a company, Genest is like a family. In fact, it 
recently launched an inventive effort designed to keep its staff and 
their families healthy. Performed in coordination with the Worksite 
Stars of York County program at Goodall Hospital, Genest brings nurses 
to the company to perform staff health risk assessments. These 
assessments allow the company to target physical activity and 
nutritional assistance to their employees. So far, an astounding 90 
percent of employees have participated. And as part of the next phase, 
Genest plans to hold an on-site physical activity program this spring. 
All employees that complete the 12-week course will be given an 
additional vacation day. This is on top of the partial reimbursement 
the firm already offers toward gym memberships. Genest also hopes to 
make financial wellness and other classes available to its employees 
later this year.
  In addition to helping sponsor the Sanford marching band's trip, 
Genest has made many other generous contributions to the community 
throughout the years. In 2001, Genest provided materials for David 
Hopkins to build a skate park in South Berwick as his Eagle Scout 
project. In 2006, the company donated concrete to Habitat for Humanity 
in York County for its Blitz Build, when the group constructed a new 
house in Shapleigh. Genest Concrete also actively sponsors the Sanford 
Mainers, part of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, as well as 
teams in the Sanford-Springvale Youth Athletic Association basketball 
league. And among many other efforts, Genest serves as part of the 
Maine Children's Alliance Business Advisory Group, as well as supports 
Day One, an initiative aimed at reducing substance abuse by Maine 
youth.
  While rising to the top of its field, Genest has never forgotten the 
community that helped it get there. Its consistent and dedicated 
endeavors to serve the community have not gone unnoticed. Thank you to 
everyone at Genest Concrete for all of your philanthropic efforts, and 
best wishes for your continued success.

                          ____________________