[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING THE ST. CLOUD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                         HON. MICHELE BACHMANN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 2009

  Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor three people and 
companies that embody both the spirit of American entrepreneurship and 
the heart of American public service: John W. McDowall, owner of the 
McDowall Company, The Mahowald Insurance Agency, and Byron Bjorklund, 
owner of Short Stop Custom Catering. Today, they will be honored by the 
St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding success and 
positive contributions to the St. Cloud community.
  I want to congratulate John W. McDowall, this year's recipient of the 
Chamber's Entrepreneurial Success Award. Mr. McDowall joined the family 
business after graduating high school in 1973 and worked his way up the 
ladder until being named President in 1999. Today, this construction 
company employs 130 individuals and continues to earn an impressive 
profit despite unexpected price increases and a sluggish economy. In 
addition to running a successful business, Mr. McDowall contributes to 
the community through his involvement on numerous boards, including 
Bremer, St. Cloud Technical College, St. Cloud Opportunities, and the 
Boys and Girls Club.
  I also want to recognize The Mahowald Insurance Agency for earning 
the Chamber's Mark of Excellence Award. The family-owned business, 
which has been passed to four generations, began in 1930 when Anthony 
Mahowald started going door to door every week collecting premiums for 
life insurance polices he sold. When Tony's son, Robert Mahowald, took 
over in 1956, he expanded the agency beyond personal insurance 
coverage. The Mahowald Insurance Agency serves people, businesses, and 
even the schools of the St. Cloud area--and hopefully for many 
generations to come.
  Last but not least, I want to recognize Byron Bjorklund, owner of the 
Short Stop Custom Catering and the 2009 St. Cloud Area Small Business 
Person on the Year. Beginning his career at the young age of 11, Mr. 
Bjorklund started in the fast food industry and in 1995, his business 
evolved into a catering service. He has experienced a nearly 25 percent 
growth by establishing solid relationships with a variety of businesses 
and organizations. And thanks to his entrepreneurship, more than 100 
people have full-or part-time employment.
  Madam Speaker, I applaud these outstanding individuals and businesses 
who have worked hard to achieve the American dream of free enterprise 
and serve our community by ensuring small businesses remain the job 
engine of America.

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