[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1234-E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING STEPHEN REISTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
America's entrepreneurs, those distinguished individuals who support 
our communities, drive innovation, and keep our nation strong. Small 
businesses bring fresh ideas to the table, develop the resources to 
meet the demands of an ever-changing world, and make a meaningful 
impact on our neighborhoods. Entrepreneurs are responsible for 
providing 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs, giving them the potential 
to propel rapid economic growth and expand ever-developing fields. Some 
of the country's largest companies began as start-ups in small offices, 
homes and garages exploring these new fields. Limited only by their 
imagination, these firms performed cutting-edge work in emerging 
industries that have become the very foundation of our society.
  As our nation and the world face the most difficult economic 
conditions in decades, entrepreneurs have the potential to lead us back 
to prosperity. The resiliency and adaptability shown by small 
businesses in past recessions demonstrate their capability to meet the 
challenges standing in their way and emerge stronger than ever. 
America's small businesses will drive the economic recovery from this 
downturn and our economy will rebound. Times may be tough, but 
America's entrepreneurial spirit is tougher.
  To recognize the monumental achievements of our nation's small firms, 
the Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared May 17-23 as the 
46th Annual National Small Business Week. The House Small Business 
Committee is celebrating all our country's hard-working entrepreneurs 
by saluting the Heroes of Small Business, those men and women who have 
shown the strength, leadership, and resourcefulness that keeps our 
economy moving forward.
  I ask that you, Madam Speaker, and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in recognizing and thanking Mr. Stephen Reister 
for his tremendous accomplishments on behalf of small businesses. Mr. 
Reister has been with Steel-T Heating and Air Conditioning for nearly 
20 years, joining the company after it was purchased by his family in 
1989. The company is one of the leading heating and air conditioning 
contractors in the Denver and northern Colorado area. Mr. Reister's 
contributions to the industry have earned him a place on the national 
furnace PID team for Carrier Corporation, the world's leader in heating 
and cooling solutions, and several awards for raising awareness and 
sales of more environmentally friendly products.
  Mr. Reister is an active member of his community, serving as a board 
member of the Columbine Valley Water and Sanitation District.

[[Page E1235]]

He is also involved in community organizations including the Colorado 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes CMT Board and The Gift of Warmth 
Program.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Reister has exemplified the remarkable 
accomplishments of which America's entrepreneurs are capable. This 
week, he will testify before the House Small Business Committee to 
share his story. I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives join with me in honoring him for the extraordinary work 
he has done for the small business economy. His efforts demonstrate 
that if given the right resources, America's small businesses can be 
the catalysts that lift our economy from the current downturn and put 
us on the road to recovery.

                          ____________________