[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 70 (Friday, May 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING RICHARD COPELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 17, 2013

  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard 
Copeland on being named the Minnesota Entrepreneurial Success of the 
Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mr. Copeland is the CEO 
of THOR Construction, a major force in the construction industry that 
is doing business across the United States and around the world.
  The success of THOR Construction has resulted from the vision, 
innovation and hard work of Mr. Copeland, who started Thor Construction 
in 1980. It has grown from a one man firm to become one of the largest, 
most successful minority owned construction businesses, employing 
hundreds of people in seven offices across the country. THOR 
Construction is a known and trusted commodity in the construction 
industry, specializing in construction management, general contracting, 
design-build, consulting, and concrete.
  Mr. Copeland's efforts have been well recognized. He received a 
lifetime achievement award from the National Minority Contractors 
Association in 2005, and was inducted into the Metropolitan Economic 
Development Association's Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame in 2006. Mr. 
Copeland's leadership, business acumen, and ability to bring top talent 
to Thor Construction have made the company one of the largest African-
American owned business in the nation.
  In addition to his company's success, Mr. Copeland has been a 
selfless contributor to our community through his philanthropic work 
and personal mentoring of entrepreneurs of color. He has directed Thor 
Construction to invest in underutilized communities and has employed 
minority-owned and women-owned subcontractors on projects, aiding in 
the expansion of their businesses. In addition, he has been a staunch 
promoter of women and minority-owned entrepreneurs by providing 
mentoring and contractual opportunities and has participated in a host 
of civic events promoting diversity.
  I commend Mr. Copeland on his award and for his contributions as both 
an employer and an exemplary member of the community.

                          ____________________