[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 79 (Friday, June 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 IN RECOGNITION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR, 
                          MR. JOSEPH SANTELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK S. CRITZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 3, 2011

  Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who 
exemplifies a successful small businessperson in our country, Joseph 
Santelli, who was recently honored, by the U.S. Small Business 
Administration.
  The week of May 16-20, 2011 was the 48th Annual National Small 
Business Week. This is a time when the President of the United States 
and the country as a whole recognizes and honors the contribution that 
small businesses are making to our nation. Small businesses are the 
engines of growth and innovation, and Mr. Santelli, who was honored by 
the Small Business Administration of Western Pennsylvania, is truly 
moving his small businesses towards greatness. Mr. Santelli took the 
honor of being the 2011 local and state Small Business Person of the 
Year in Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Joseph Santelli is the President of Santelli Tempered Glass, 
located in Monessen, PA. He was involved in the glass and window 
industry for many years prior to selling tempered glass himself. For 
fifteen years prior he sold tempering furnaces to companies so they 
could make the glass. With an ambition to grow his business and some 
help from outside investors, Mr. Santelli ventured into the 
manufacturing of tempered glass.
  With his investment in the business, Mr. Santelli set up the first 
tempered glass outfit of its kind east of the Mississippi River. As his 
business became more successful, Mr. Santelli was able to buy out his 
business partner and expand his operation to factories in the states of 
Indiana and Florida.
  Through his exploration of tempered glass, he has helped change the 
lives of residents throughout Pennsylvania and the United States. This 
type of tempered glass won't shatter if it is broken and greatly 
reduces injury in case of an accident. Recognizing that success bears 
responsibility, he has given back to the community by donating tempered 
glass for Habitat for Humanity projects and to ABC-TV's ``Extreme 
Makeover: Home Edition.''
  In this tough economic time, small businesses are creating jobs, 
innovative products, and services people need. They are the engine of 
economic growth. Mr. Santelli epitomizes intuitive and responsible 
business practices in this country. Mr. Speaker, I would once again 
like to honor Mr. Santelli for his extraordinary work and commitment as 
a small business owner.

                          ____________________