[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING MR. MARTIN J. MARASCO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments 
of Mr. Martin J. Marasco. As this year's recipient of the Penn's Woods 
Council Boy Scouts of America's Distinguished Citizen Award, Marty has 
shown exemplary performance as a businessman, a community leader, a 
philanthropist, and a role model.
  Through his 39 years affiliation with the Altoona-Blair County 
Development Corporation, Marty has worked at developing and delivering 
purposeful and creative programs and services involving all aspects of 
the economic development process to his community. He is responsible 
for much of the industrial and commercial economic expansion that has 
been crucial to Blaire County's growth and development.
  Marty's experiences in all facets of economic development have 
enabled him to be successful in his dealings with local, state, and 
federal agencies as well as commercial and industrial clients. His 
ability to capitalize on both public and private financing vehicles has 
led to the creation and preservation of 17,580 jobs, and serves to 
demonstrate how good business sense and strong work ethic can benefit 
the individual as well as the community.
  The diverse background and numerous accomplishments Marty has spent a 
lifetime working toward have allowed him to be extremely active in his 
community. He is Past Chair and Member of the Pastoral Council at Our 
Lady of Mount Carmel Church, as well as a Member and Vice Chairman of 
the Executive Roundtable of Blair County. Always supportive of 
community sports activities, Marty coached instructional level through 
elementary basketball for 25 years. He also served, for 8 years, as the 
treasurer and coach for the Altoona Little League baseball program.
  As a family man, Marty has been a husband to his wife Carol for 
nearly 42 years; he is a father to eight children, and a grandfather to 
thirteen grandchildren. Marty's efforts and accomplishments serve to 
exemplify great service to self, family, and community. For these 
reasons I commend those who have seen fit to honor Marty with this 
year's Distinguished Citizen Award, and I too recognize and 
congratulate Marty Marasco for all he has done.

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