[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 12 (Thursday, January 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CYR BUS LINES

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, during the past 100 years our 
country has seen remarkable changes. From horse drawn-carriages to cars 
and airplanes, and handwritten letters to text messaging, our world has 
undergone a vast transformation. Few small businesses have had the 
tenacity to adapt to these changes and continue to prosper, but those 
who have, deserve our sincerest praise. With this in mind, today I rise 
to recognize Cyr Bus Lines, located in Old Town, ME, which this year 
celebrates its 100th anniversary.
  When John T. Cyr founded this small transportation firm in 1912, it 
utilized horses and carriages for transporting everything from timber 
to passengers. And now, the Cyr name is highly regarded throughout 
Maine for its elite bus transportation. As the needs of Maine changed, 
so did the company, shifting from local trucking to expand into school 
buses and motor coaches to best suit the wishes of its customers. The 
result of Cyr's successful adaptation has been a flourishing 
enterprise.
  Today, Cyr buses are a familiar sight to numerous school children and 
parents, serving 17 different school districts across Maine. 
Additionally, the company offers over 120 guided coach tours, allowing 
customers a relaxing and informative trip to several destinations. In 
2012, these guided tours include routes to popular destinations 
throughout New England as well as more distant favorites such as Quebec 
and New Orleans. This year, one could even book a tour aboard a 
luxurious Cyr bus to visit Washington D.C. during the magnificent 
cherry blossom season.
  Cyr Bus Lines represents a true family-owned small business, which 
has been handed down throughout generations and is now owned and 
operated by the founder's grandson, Joe Cyr. Joe took over operations 
in 1967 from his father, Harvey, and has continually strived to improve 
the company. As the years have progressed, the fourth generation of the 
Cyr family has become involved with Joe's son Mike running the coach 
department and Joe's daughter Becky acting as bookkeeper.
  In light of this firm's long-term success, it should come as no 
surprise that this small business has received several honors 
recognizing their commitment to safety and quality. Most recently in 
2011, Cyr Bus Lines was awarded the International Motor Coach Group, 
IMG, award for Motor Coach Safety. Further, at the 2011 annual meeting 
of the Maine Chamber Group Trust, the local provider for workers' 
compensation insurance, Cyr Bus Lines received honors for both ``Most 
Improved Safety Program'' and for ``No Indemnity Claims in 2010.'' 
Additionally on April 21, 2011, two of Cyr's employees received first 
place trophies, in the categories of transit school bus and 
conventional school bus, for their exceptional driving skills at the 
Maine Association for Pupil Transportation Central Maine Conference and 
School Bus Rodeo.
  A century later, Cyr Bus Lines continues to maintain a position of 
excellence in the community. This small business' tireless and 
successful efforts to persevere and prosper in a changing environment 
represent a truly monumental achievement. I am proud to extend my 
congratulations to the Cyr family and everyone at Cyr Bus Lines on 
their 100th anniversary. I offer my best wishes for their continued 
success.

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