[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AMPLIFY GYMNASTICS, 2013 WINNER OF SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S 
                             PHOENIX AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2013

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and 
perseverance of Paul Comstedt, Derek Hammeke, and Kip Johnson, owners 
of Amplify Gymnastics, and as the recipients of the U.S. Small Business 
Administration's 2013 Phoenix Award.
  In May 2011, Paul, Derek, and Kip were preparing for the grand 
opening of their business, Amplify Gymnastics. Tragically, just days 
before the opening, an EF5 tornado tore through the Joplin community, 
destroying 20 percent of the city. In addition, their entire building 
was destroyed and a single slab of concrete was all that was left of 
the gym. In fact, on the day of the tornado Kip stopped by the gym to 
complete some finishing touches. During that time, the tornado ripped 
through the gym and a two-ton truck that Kip used for cover was thrown 
20 feet. Thankfully, he survived.
  After surviving the catastrophic event, the men were forced to 
rebuild their entire gym. Paul, Derek, and Kip applied for an SBA 
disaster loan to cover rebuilding costs and operating expenses. After 9 
months of rebuilding, Amplify held its grand opening with over 200 
young athletes registered. In the following months, Amplify added 300 
more athletes and grew their staff from 10 to 23 employees. In just a 
few months following the grand opening, Amplify Gymnastics surpassed 
their five-year goal.
  The efforts of these three men encompass all the characteristics of 
true entrepreneurs. Despite overwhelming odds, Amplify Gymnastics has 
become a place in the community where local kids can train their bodies 
and exercise their minds. I am grateful for the contributions they have 
given to the Joplin community.
  The Small Business Administration's Phoenix Award is awarded to 
businesses, public officials and volunteers who are tested by disasters 
like the Joplin tornado but work to overcome the disaster by rebuilding 
and helping their communities recover.
  I would like to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am by 
the courage and ingenuity of Paul Comstedt, Derek Hammeke, and Kip 
Johnson. May God bless them and the continued recovery of the Joplin 
community.

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