[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 191 (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TO RECOGNIZE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BEN ETTLEMAN

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ben 
Ettleman, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Davis Industries and to 
congratulate him on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
  Mr. Ettleman moved Davis Industries to the Lorton area in 1970, and, 
under his leadership, Davis Industries continues to be an involved and 
active community partner. When asked what advice he would give to a 
person entering business, he replied: ``You must establish good 
relationships with your employees, your vendors, suppliers and 
manufacturers--but you must never forget to develop a good relationship 
with your community. That's vital!'' Mr. Ettleman's life has been true 
to this philosophy; his robust support for area non-profits has been 
invaluable to the Lorton and greater Fairfax County communities.
  Countless local and national programs and charities have benefited 
from Mr. Ettleman's leadership and direction. He allows his metal 
crushing site to be used in training the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue 
Department in the ``Jaws of Life'' program. He also helped found the 
``Police Unity Tour'' to honor fallen officers. In response to the 
bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, Mr. Ettleman donated 
$25,000 to help provide care for children who were burned as a result 
of the tragedy. He has provided critical leadership and financial 
support to local high school all-night graduation parties, renovations 
of public parks, food drives, holiday celebrations at local shelters, 
educational scholarships, little league teams, art programs, and even 
spay-and-neuter programs. The Lorton Community Action Center, Boys & 
Girls Club, Jewish National Fund, Georgetown University Parkinson's 
Research Center, Fairfax County Police and Fire and Rescue Departments, 
United Community Ministries, South County Little League, and the Lorton 
Arts Foundation are just a few of the many organizations that have been 
able to provide assistance, education, and public safety services to 
thousands of residents thanks to the leadership and generosity of Ben 
Ettleman.
  Mr. Ettleman recently celebrated his 90th birthday on August 11, 
2011, and in recognition of his many contributions and accomplishments, 
the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed the day as Ben 
Ettleman/Davis Industries Day in Fairfax County.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in 
congratulating Mr. Ettleman on this prestigious recognition and wishing 
him a very happy birthday. I also want to thank him for his selfless 
contributions, which have benefited so many in our community. I hope 
that his record of leadership will serve as a model of community 
service to future generations.

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