[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF TWITCHELL TECHNICAL PRODUCTS

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                            REP. MARTHA ROBY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2012

  Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the 90th 
anniversary of Twitchell Technical Products--a thriving business in 
Southeast Alabama.
  Mr. E.W. Twitchell founded E.W. Twitchell, Inc. nine decades ago. 
First established in Unionville, Connecticut, the company later 
relocated in 1930 to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1945, the company 
came home to Dothan, Alabama, where its headquarters remain today. To 
date, Twitchell provides jobs that support nearly 300 families around 
Dothan. In our area, this company is a staple in the local economy and 
a cornerstone of the local community.
  Mr. Speaker, without question, the number one issue that affects our 
nation and my home state of Alabama is the health of our economy and 
the ability to create new American jobs. I am especially aware of this 
fact from the many discussions I have had with small business owners 
and employers throughout the district. I was privileged to recently 
have such a discussion with representatives from Twitchell last month.
  During a time when too many employers have been forced to shrink 
their workforce or even close their doors, I was encouraged to hear 
about Twitchell's achievements. Through innovation, Mr. Twitchell 
achieved success by changing and adapting to the needs of the market. 
Mr. Speaker, that is what the free market is all about. Free from 
government interference or unnecessary regulation, private companies 
adjust to the demands of the market and remain competitive. When that 
happens, both employees and consumers benefit.
  For example, four decades ago the company acquired a local yarn 
extrusion venture that specialized in PVC coated yarns. The yarn weaves 
into a fabric used for everyday products, such as window shades, 
athletic goods, and outdoor furniture. The fabric continues to be 
Twitchell's best selling product, keeping the company in high-demand as 
it is one of only two manufacturers of PVC coated yarn and woven 
products in the U.S.
  Here in Congress, we regularly discuss the many barriers that prevent 
job creation, such as costly federal regulations that stand in the way 
of private sector growth. My House colleagues and I are passing 
legislation to repeal these burdensome federal rules. We want to 
encourage small business owners who work hard to invest in their 
employees and their products, not discourage them. The House has passed 
nearly 30 pro-growth jobs-bills to reduce the mountain of federal 
regulations that limit an employer's ability to create jobs. We should 
never forget: government does not create jobs; the private sector 
creates jobs.
  An economy built to succeed is an economy that is built on a 
foundation of small business entrepreneurship. Operating on the 
principles of persistence, innovations, and hard work, Twitchell is a 
model of American enterprise. It is a privilege for me to stand here 
today to honor the legacy of Twitchell and to recognize the many 
dedicated employees who have made the company a success through the 
years. I congratulate Mr. Twitchell and his family for reaching this 
milestone, and look forward to the centennial celebration.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Twitchell on its 90th 
anniversary and in wishing the company many more decades of success.

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