[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 2011 MAINEBIZ BUSINESS LEADERS OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of 
the 2011 MaineBiz Business Leaders of the Year Award. Each year, 
MaineBiz highlights the most outstanding businessmen and women helping 
to move Maine's business community forward. This year's honorees, 
Fletcher Kittredge, Martin Grimnes and Andy Shepard are among the best 
that Maine has to offer.
  Fletcher Kittredge is CEO of Great Works Internet, GWI. In 17 years, 
GWI has grown from a small dial-up Internet company for one Maine 
community to a statewide Internet company with more than 50 locations. 
Fletcher has also been instrumental in the Three Ring Binder project, 
which has begun utilizing funds from the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act to expand broadband service throughout rural Maine.
  Martin Grimnes is the example of a true success story. After leaving 
his $50 million dollar composites corporation in 2000, Martin is now at 
the helm of Harbor Technologies. In just a few years, Harbor 
Technologies has performed outstanding work on contracts like the new 
103-foot composite pilings for use by the Navy in Pearl Harbor. With a 
product estimated to last 150 years, Harbor is now expanding overseas. 
Despite the company's overseas work, Martin is ensuring that Harbor 
Technologies remains based in Maine.
  Andy Shepard, from my district, knows how badly northern rural Maine 
needs economic development. In only a few years since forming the non-
profit Maine Winter Sports Center, Andy has helped to bring Olympic 
Trials, trainers and the World Cup Biathlon to northern Maine. This has 
contributed to millions in revenue for the northern part of my state.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring some of the best business 
leaders that Maine and America have to offer. In addition to their 
success in the private sector, Fletcher Kittredge, Martin Grimnes and 
Andy Shepard have remained committed to their local communities and 
used their entrepreneurial skills to develop economic opportunities 
throughout Maine.

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