[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           JOHN VERNA TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pleasure as a Colorado 
Congressman to rise and give tribute to a man whose vision for the 
future is only surpassed by the passion he has for his community. 
Pueblo resident John Verna has selflessly used his own success to 
enhance the city he resides in, and for his decades of commitment to 
Southern Colorado he has been recognized as Pueblo's Citizen of the 
Year.
  Mr. Verna is a successful entrepreneur, and a business man with a 
fruitful career that has involved many pursuits. John Verna owned and 
operated a landscaping company for more than thirty years, and was a 
major factor in the development of Lake Pueblo. Even more impressive 
than Mr. Verna's accomplished record in business is his ability to help 
the city of Pueblo, Colorado. He has served on the Pueblo Community 
College Foundation, the Youth Track Academy Advisory Commission, Pueblo 
City Council and the Pueblo Medal of Honor Foundation. Mr. Verna had 
such an effect on the Medal of Honor Foundation, that he brought the 
national convention to Pueblo in 2000. John was also very influential 
in leading the way for the new Pueblo Convention Center. John Verna's 
hard work and devotion has helped and improved his community in 
countless ways. Mr. Verna is a pillar within his community, and for his 
endless efforts he has been duly recognized as Pueblo's Citizen of the 
Year.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to stand and recognize the 
accomplishments of Mr. John Verna. He is a wonderful example to all 
citizens of our country, and I congratulate him on his achievement as 
Pueblo's Citizen of the Year.

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