[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 89 (Thursday, June 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING JACK VANDER MEULEN AND HIS 40 YEARS AT VANDER MEULEN 
                                BUILDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2013

  Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding accomplishment of Jack Vander Meulen on his 40th 
anniversary working at Vander Meulen Builders.
   Jack Vander Meulen is a resident of Holland, Michigan and a 1973 
graduate of Holland Christian High School. Immediately following 
graduation, Jack joined Vander Meulen Builders as a carpenter and was 
able to work with his father Jay and uncle Earl. Exhibiting hard work 
and dedication to his craft Jack became a project manager in 1986. Jack 
was named President of Vander Meulen Builders ten years later in 1996.
   Vander Meulen Builders was founded in 1924 by Rhine Vander Meulen 
and traces its roots back seven generations in the Netherlands. They 
developed a niche building custom residences and summer cottages in the 
harbor towns of Lake Michigan. Their high-quality work was readily 
recognized by the West Michigan community and in 1967 Vander Meulen 
Builders became a charter member of the Home Builders Association of 
Holland. Their reputation landed them the opportunity to work on 
several historic West Michigan projects such as, renovating Marigold 
Lodge, the Holland Museum, several churches in the area, and many other 
downtown Holland landmarks.
   Jack and the Vander Meulen family have built more than a successful 
business--They are leaders in the Holland community. Vander Meulen 
Builders is known for working on unique custom projects throughout the 
community and have developed superior problem solving skills through 
their many years of experiences on a variety of projects. Their company 
has a great reputation for astounding customer service working with 
people who truly care about the homes they own. Vander Meulen Builders 
know that they do more than just build homes, they develop lasting 
relationships with the families they have worked with throughout the 
community. Jack and his wife Brenda have two sons, one who is also 
working for Vander Meulen Builders, the fourth generation in the family 
business.
   Jack and his leadership in Vander Meulen Builders is a great example 
of the area's hard work ethic, high-skill level in their professions 
and great family values that are always prevalent throughout the second 
district of Michigan and make it the great community that it is today. 
Citizens like Jack and Vander Meulen Builder's family embody the spirit 
of Holland and the West Michigan community.
   I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jack Vander Meulen and 
Vander Meulen Builders for their great service in West Michigan through 
the many decades.

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