[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 103 (Friday, July 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1724-E1725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING KAYEM FOODS, INC. OF CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS ON ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 10, 2009

  Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kayem Foods, 
Inc. of Chelsea, Massachusetts on its 100th anniversary. From humble 
beginnings in 1909 to a much higher profile in 2009 after being named 
the official hot dog of historic Fenway Park and Red Sox Nation, Kayem 
has developed a stellar reputation in the Greater Boston community for 
its dedication to quality products and community causes.
  In 1909, Kazimierz Monkiewicz emigrated from Poland with his wife, 
Helena, and started a small business making kielbasa--native sausages 
from Poland--in their backyard in Chelsea. From there, he went on to 
achieve the American Dream, laying strong roots in the community and 
establishing a successful family business called Kayem--so named for 
Mr. Monkiewicz's initials.
  As Kayem's reputation for quality meats spread, Monkiewicz began 
delivering to nearby communities via horse-drawn carriage. As the 
business grew further, Monkiewicz's four sons assumed roles in the 
burgeoning family enterprise. A century later, Kayem is still a family 
business with grandson Ray, recently retired as company president, now 
serving as chairman of the board of directors and 13 other family 
members working there as well.
  In recent years, Kayem has expanded its market beyond New England. In 
addition to making 1 million hot dogs each day, Kayem is now known for 
its al fresco all natural chicken sausages, which have received several 
``best of'' awards from national publications, and its line of 
delicious Kayem Brats.

[[Page E1725]]

  Through its successful enterprise, Kayem is the city of Chelsea's 
largest employer, with more than 500 workers representing immigrants 
from more than 25 different nations. Kayem serves the Greater Boston 
community in ways beyond being a stable employer. A leading supporter 
of Chelsea institutions like the Jordan Boys & Girls Club, Centro 
Latino and Bunker Hill Community College, Kayem is known for its 
generosity, including regular food donations to dozens of local 
charitable events. Kayem recently established ``Kayem Cares,'' a 
program that supports the fight against breast cancer through donations 
based on sales.
  For its commendable history and contributions to the community over 
the past 100 years, I would like to extend my congratulations to Kayem 
Foods and the Monkiewicz family.

                          ____________________