[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 58 (Monday, April 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING FRANCIS LEE CONTRACTING AS THE 2012 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SMALL 
                          BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2012

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring Francis Lee Contracting as the 
2012 District of Columbia Small Business of the Year, as well as its 
principals, Brian Smith, Geary Powell, and Terry Smith.
  Francis Lee Contracting is a District of Columbia small business 
specializing in excavation, grading, site concrete, clearing, grubbing, 
and demolition. After doing work in the initial stages of the U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security, DHS, headquarters construction project 
at the St. Elizabeths West Campus, Francis Lee Contracting was selected 
as a subcontractor to perform earthwork for the perimeter security 
fence there, because of the high quality of its work. Francis Lee 
Contracting is located in Ward 8, where the DHS headquarters 
construction is taking place and which is the section of our city with 
the highest unemployment rate. Francis Lee Contracting has worked to 
improve the local community and has hired Ward 8 residents.
  Francis Lee Contracting has over 50 years of experience in the 
construction field, on both public- and private-sector projects, and 
has several certifications, including Certified Business Enterprise and 
certifications to work with the District Department of Transportation, 
the Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Washington 
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Francis Lee Contracting continues 
to share its experience and knowledge with other small businesses by 
sponsoring and participating in training sessions about bonding and 
other aspects of the construction industry.
  The House of Representatives is gratified when a local small business 
competes and is selected to perform work on a federal construction 
project because of its quality of work, as exemplified by Francis Lee 
Contracting.
  I ask the House to join me in honoring Francis Lee Contracting and 
its principal, Brian Smith, for its outstanding accomplishments and 
commitment to the residents of the Distinct of Columbia, and in 
commending Francis Lee Contracting on becoming the 2012 District of 
Columbia Small Business of the Year.

                          ____________________