[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING BALDWIN APPLE LADDERS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, small, local businesses play a 
critical role in our economy, creating two-thirds of all jobs across 
the Nation. Nowhere is small businesses' value more evident than in my 
home State of Maine. Even during these challenging economic times, 
entrepreneurs across the State continue to make headlines for their 
perseverance and can-do attitude in the face of adversity. I rise today 
to recognize and commend Baldwin Apple Ladders and owner Peter Baldwin 
for their tremendous contribution to the local economy and for 
resilience in the face of disaster that struck a mere 2 months ago.
  Mr. Baldwin founded Baldwin Apple Ladders in 1984, in his hometown of 
Brooks, ME. Since its opening, Baldwin Apple Ladders has built 
approximately 30,000 ladders, which have been used in orchards 
throughout Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North 
Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Famous for their 
durability and signature style, the ladders were even featured in 
Martha Stewart Magazine. Mr. Baldwin's business purchases the lumber 
used in ladder production from local sources, generates jobs through 
shipping and delivery, and supplies customers nationwide, giving it a 
national as well local presence. While business was at its peak, the 
Baldwin Apple Ladders manufactured and sold an average of 1,200 ladders 
annually.
  On May 8th 2012, Mr. Baldwin was contacted by a neighbor with the 
devastating news that Baldwin's ladder building facility was on fire. 
Along with the stock inventory of finished ladders, production 
equipment, and stacks of unused materials, the fire consumed the 6,500 
square foot dairy barn which housed his manufacturing operations.
  After the smoke cleared and the remaining assets were assessed, Mr. 
Baldwin was faced with a difficult decision to retire after 30 years in 
business, or rebuild. Mr. Baldwin chose to rebuild, refusing to let the 
fire dictate his future. Mr. Baldwin is committed to making ladders for 
as long as possible; recently building his first post-fire ladder, 
using tools that are no more advanced than what he had to work with 
when he first opened, back in 1984. Though this manner of manufacturing 
is considerably more arduous and time consuming, Mr. Baldwin is 
continuing his business and hoping to emerge stronger than ever.
  Generous local donations, assistance, and support have helped in 
making tremendous strides in the rejuvenation of Baldwin Apple Ladders, 
a testament to the goodwill Mr. Baldwin has earned throughout the 
community. Mr. Baldwin's dedication to starting over and his 
perseverance in the face of such unimaginable obstacles is inspiring 
and a true example of the grit and incomparable spirit of Maine's 
entrepreneurs. I will eagerly follow Mr. Baldwin's progress in 
rebuilding, and extend my best wishes to him and Baldwin Apple Ladders 
and their future success.

                          ____________________