[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 3, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S11046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO GEORGE CANNELOS

 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
leadership George Cannelos demonstrated during his 4 years of public 
service as Federal Cochair of the Denali Commission. From 2005 to 2009, 
George effectively used his extensive experience in rural Alaska to 
improve the delivery of affordable, reliable, and sustainable 
infrastructure to scores of Alaska communities.
  With his guidance, the partnership between the Denali Commission and 
the State of Alaska grew in significant ways and has become the 
cornerstone of the Commission's success and progress. His advancement 
of collaborative efforts helped find innovative solutions with a 
promptness for carrying out the Denali Commission's mission.
  In his first year as Cochair, a transportation advisory committee was 
created, composed of rural Alaska leaders with broad experience. Its 
successful implementation made it a useful model for committees to 
come. In 2007, the Commission opened its first rural office, taking a 
new approach with a remote site workforce.
  George has led the Commission with passion and dedication to using 
innovative strategies in rural Alaska. For 2 years in a row, the Denali 
Commission was recognized by the National Association of Development 
Organization for innovative program work.
  His contributions have moved the Commission forward, leaving a 
positive outlook for upcoming years. His efforts will continue to do 
good work and play a critical role in the quality of life and economic 
development of Alaska's most remote communities.
  Mr. President and colleagues, please join me in recognition of his 
outstanding accomplishments and important work in improving the quality 
of life, infrastructure, housing, access to health care, and economic 
opportunity in rural Alaska. We thank him for his service and wish him 
luck as he begins the next chapter of his life.

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