[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF SACRAMENTO'S BUSINESS LEADERS

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2010

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many 
outstanding Sacramento business leaders who will be honored at the 
Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 115th Annual Dinner & 
Business Awards Ceremony. The men and women who were honored on Friday, 
February 5th, are dedicated to the success of Sacramento and have 
worked tirelessly to advance the region's economic vitality. I ask all 
my colleagues to join me in honoring these fine Sacramentans.
  David Higgins, a commercial construction icon and retired CEO of 
Harbison-Mahony-Higgins Builders, has been named ``Sacramentan of the 
Year'' for his life's work and commitment to philanthropy in the 
region. He has been actively involved in the leadership of HMH 
Builders, a general building contractor, for more than 40 years.
  For decades, David has advocated for the sustainable growth of the 
region, most recently as past president of the Sacramento Area Commerce 
and Trade Organization. He has also been widely recognized for his 
local charitable endeavors, including his longtime support of Jesuit 
High School, health and social service and youth programs, and the 
arts.
  Ron Mittelstaedt, Chairman and CEO of Waste Connections Inc., has 
been named ``Businessman of the Year.'' Ron founded Waste Connections 
in 1997. When he took the firm public the following year, Waste 
Connections had approximately $40 million in revenue and about 400 
employees. Today, the company serves about 2 million business and 
residential customers throughout 26 states, employs nearly 5,400, and 
has reported revenue of more than $1 billion. It is a true success 
story.
  Jonna Ward, CEO of Visionary Integration Professionals, has been 
named ``Businesswoman of the Year.'' Jonna started VIP 12 years ago out 
of her spare bedroom and has grown it to be the largest woman-owned 
business in our region. Through her leadership, VIP is also one of the 
fastest growing businesses in the country--making the Inc. 500 list for 
the past two years.
  Other award winners include ``Volunteer of the Year,'' Martha Clark 
Lofgren from Brewer Lofgren LLP. Robert Tobin, President and CEO of 
Cottage Housing, winner of the ``Al Geiger Award,'' will be recognized 
for his work providing housing for homeless. The ``Peter McCuen Award 
for Civic Entrepreneurs'' will be presented to Rick Fowler for his work 
with The Community College Fund.
  The ``Small Business of the Year'' award will be presented to Patrick 
Mulvaney and Mulvaney's B&L, for growing into one of Sacramento's top 
restaurants. Patrick is a marvelous chef, who supports local farmers 
and is active with a number of local non-profits.
  Four outstanding local institutions have been inducted into the 
``Sacramento Business Hall of Fame'' for their longtime and significant 
contributions to the economic and civic growth of the Sacramento 
region. Being inducted are Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard; 
Owen-Dunn Insurance Services; SAFE Credit Union; and Western Contract. 
Recognized for its success as a long standing, 100-year-old business in 
Sacramento, Lionakis has been inducted into the ``Centennial Business 
Hall of Fame.''
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize these individuals and 
businesses for their economic and civic contributions to the Sacramento 
Region. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the Fifth 
Congressional District of California, I ask all my colleagues to join 
me in honoring them for their unwavering commitment to our region.

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