[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 132 (Monday, September 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CRISTIANI EXCAVATING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TODD C. YOUNG

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 30, 2013

  Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, individuals and families benefit 
when businesses, big and small, are able to help communities maximize 
their economic potential. In Southern Indiana, Dan Cristiani is one 
outstanding example of a small business owner who harnesses the talent 
and work ethic of his employees to improve their community.
   At just fifteen years old, Mr. Cristiani started his first business 
by cutting down timber and selling it as firewood. Today his company--
Dan Cristiani Excavating--is a full service business that sells and 
rents heavy equipment, distributes topsoil and mulch, and offers waste 
disposal services for individuals and companies.
   In addition to owning a thriving business, Mr. Cristiani has become 
a recognized community philanthropist. He is particularly involved with 
Clark County 4-H, saying, ``My dad was involved in Floyd County 4-H, 
and I guess I'm kind of a chip off the old block.'' In 2002, he started 
a consignment auction to help raise money for the organization. The 
annual event provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to 
sell farm equipment that is no longer needed, typically generating 
between $15,000 and $20,000 for 4-H. Additionally, he donates money for 
4-H project animals. There is no doubt that 4-H plays an essential role 
in educating children about the benefits of agriculture throughout 
Indiana's 9th District, and I appreciate that he is helping give 
children access to this wonderful organization.
   Beyond his contributions to 4-H, Mr. Cristiani and his excavating 
company help provide many other services to Clark County, such as funds 
and equipment for a new baseball park. But perhaps his greatest impact 
is felt when the community is most in need. For example, in 2004 a 
tornado struck the north edge of Borden, Indiana, and he immediately 
sent his excavating equipment and crew to the affected area to begin 
cleanup. He did so under no pretense of being paid, and there was no 
guarantee of reimbursement for equipment use or staff salaries. Despite 
that, his team stayed in the area for weeks providing assistance to 
Hoosiers when they most needed it. As a result, Borden was back on its 
feet much more quickly than other towns impacted by the storm.
   Dan Cristiani and Dan Cristiani Excavating are representative of the 
small businesses in which Hoosiers in Indiana's 9th District take 
pride. Their commitment and generosity prove that, whether big or 
small, businesses of any size can make a positive contribution to their 
community. I am proud to represent such sturdy Americans, and I am 
pleased to highlight their good works in the Congressional Record today 
in this installment of Indiana's 9th District Small Business Spotlight.

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