[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2799-S2800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SEA BAGS, INC.

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I honor a Maine small business 
that has not only captured Maine history and tradition through their 
unique craft, but has also aimed to selflessly support various 
organizations and charities throughout the State of Maine for over a 
decade. Sea Bags, Inc., coowned by Maine natives Hannah Kubiak and Beth 
Shissler, is based in Maine's largest city, Portland, and has been 
using recycled sails to create inventive, environmentally friendly 
purses and tote bags that are ``sailed around the world'' and 
``recycled in Maine.''
  Sea Bags, Inc. was founded in 1999 on the principle that ``recycling 
is not just a fad, but a responsibility.'' And while they own a 
globally successful business, Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler have 
always emphasized making a positive and lasting impact locally. Ms. 
Kubiak, who grew up sailing in the famed seaside town of Kennebunkport, 
was inspired by her father, who would often brainstorm ways to reuse 
old sails. Additionally, Ms. Shissler travelled the world in her work 
for several large companies before being drawn home to put her business 
experience to use at Sea Bags. Their work has been featured in a 
variety of publications, including Vanity Fair; the New York Times; 
Vogue; and O, the Oprah Magazine.
  Believing that everyone should have a second chance, Sea Bags has 
previously partnered with the Maine Department of Correction's 
Industries Program to engage inmates at the Maine Correctional 
Institute for Women in helping make the bags and teaching them job 
skills such as sewing. This 2-year collaboration helped the company 
keep up with the increased demand in recent years. In 2005, Sea Bags 
was selling roughly 60 items per year, and it now sells over 2,000 each 
month. In addition to its line of regular, everyday tote bags--which 
are water resistant and durable--the company also offers creative bath 
mats, coasters, and shaving kits. Sea Bags has also created a limited-
edition line of ``Cure Bags'' to ``celebrate a cure'' for breast 
cancer. Fifty percent of all of the proceeds from Cure Bags goes to the 
Maine Cancer Foundation for breast cancer support and awareness 
programs.
  When it comes to supporting Maine's timeless tradition of sailing, 
Sea Bags donates to the Sail Maine Scholarship Fund with the aim of 
helping underprivileged children learn how to sail. Sea Bags has teamed 
up with other local nautical organizations, including the Islesboro 
Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program, the Compass Project, and the

[[Page S2800]]

Maine Maritime Academy, to sustain the historic art of sailing. 
Additionally, for the 2008 Olympics, Sea Bags created a line of totes 
to support the quest of New England sailors Andy Horton and Brad 
Nichol, pledging $40,000 to help send the athletes to Beijing.
  Hannah Kubiak and Beth Shissler have offered a vivid example of the 
difference a small business can make in a community locally, and 
globally, through a noble devotion to social responsibility. It is 
evident that through their distinctive dedication to promoting 
recycling and assisting charities, they have started a trend in 
responsible entrepreneurship that other small companies will surely 
emulate. I sincerely thank Ms. Kubiak and Ms. Shissler and everyone at 
Sea Bags, Inc. for their continued service to the State of Maine, and 
offer my best wishes for their future success.

                          ____________________