[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ROB O'BRIAN, 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 Joplin Area Chamber 
of Commerce President Rob O' Brian, recipient of the U.S. Small 
Business Administration's Phoenix Award.
  Like all Joplin residents, Rob had his life drastically changed on 
May 22, 2011, when an EF5 tornado touched down leaving only a path of 
destruction in its wake.
  The aftermath of the Joplin tornado left the area with nearly 5,000 
jobs in jeopardy of being lost and damage to over 550 local businesses. 
As president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Rob used his quick 
thinking and resourcefulness to help business owners recover from the 
destruction left behind from the tornado.
  Through the leadership of Rob, the Joplin Chamber was able to set up 
a Small Business Administration Business Recovery Center just days 
after the tornado. This center enabled the chamber and its staff to 
help all business owners in their time of need. In fact, over 500 
affected companies are still operating today and 90 percent of the jobs 
affected by the storm were saved.
  In addition to the reopened businesses, more than 100 new employers 
have opened their doors since the storm. The new businesses cited the 
resilience of Joplin residents and the support of Rob and the Joplin 
Chamber as key reasons for their decision to locate to the region.
  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.
  Rob's acts of courage, selflessness and perseverance in the aftermath 
of this disaster make him an outstanding recipient of this award. I am 
grateful for his leadership and service to Missouri's 7th District.

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