[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KAREN PRICE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2013

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Karen Price, a 
dear friend and President of the West Virginia Manufacturer's 
Association; she is retiring this year after 22 years of service. I 
have known and worked with Karen in the West Virginia Legislature and 
in Congress, and I have watched her tireless efforts for the 
manufacturers' of West Virginia with great admiration.
   Karen is a very accomplished woman who has diligently and 
successfully pursued her career in a very male dominated arena, namely 
economic development and manufacturing. Such success can be attributed 
to her hard working nature, as well as her tenacious character. She 
worked her way through college, the first child of her family to do so, 
and she has not looked back since.
   Karen's start in economic development was as a member of the West 
Virginia Economic Development Office, serving as its Legislative 
Director. Karen was responsible for recruiting new businesses to the 
state, including Bruce Hardwood, now known as Armstrong Products in 
Beverly, WV. She also worked to ensure that these businesses were able 
to hire capable women and men. Karen has always been committed to 
recruitment through a trained workforce, and she continues to emphasize 
the importance of an educated, skilled workforce today.
   Karen's talents have been recognized by many through the leadership 
positions that she has held including, Member, Board of Trustees' 
Charleston Area Medical Center and the David Lee Cancer Center; 
Charleston YWCA; and Bridgemont Community and Technical College. Karen 
has served as Past President of the following organizations: American 
Society of Association Executives; Charleston Vandalia Rotary Club; and 
West Virginia Business and Industry Council. Karen and I share the 
distinction of being recognized as a ``Woman of Achievement,'' by the 
YWCA of Charleston. The list is exhaustive, with each role further 
lending proof to the fact that Karen has lived an exemplary life.
   I am grateful for the work that Karen has performed representing 
West Virginia's manufacturer's, the backbone of West Virginia's 
economy. Throughout her career she has worked with numerous governors, 
the West Virginia Legislature and regulatory agencies to address 
barriers to economic development. Those accomplishments include reform 
of the West Virginia Workers Compensation Program, and addressing 
taxation and environmental protection regulations to name a few.
   Mr. Speaker, this high level of commitment to the State of West 
Virginia is one deserving of great honor and respect. Through this 
Extension of Remarks, I would like to thank Karen for her service and 
for the tremendous, positive impact she has made on West Virginia and 
its economy. Karen exemplifies the qualities of Mountaineer integrity 
that we cherish at home, and I am honored to call her my friend. I wish 
her the best moving forward toward her much deserved retirement.

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