[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CARLTON L. HIGH-
          SMITH, 2014 RECIPIENT OF THE TORCH OF LIBERTY AWARD

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2014

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today, friends, family and colleagues will 
gather to pay tribute to one of our community's most outstanding 
citizens. I am proud to stand today and join the Connecticut Anti-
Defamation League as they honor Carlton L. Highsmith with the 2014 
Greater New Haven Torch of Liberty Award.
  Our communities would not be the same without the efforts of 
individuals whose work benefits our families and neighborhoods. Each 
year, the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League presents the prestigious 
Torch of Liberty Award to an outstanding leader in the community, 
recognizing their unique commitment and dedication. Carlton is a 
remarkable reflection of the spirit of community service. With 
extraordinary compassion and generosity, he has touched the lives of 
many throughout the Greater New Haven community.
  A corporate executive turned successful business owner, Carlton is a 
reflection of the American entrepreneurial spirit upon which our nation 
was built. He founded Specialized Packaging Group in New Haven in 1983 
and over the course of the next two decades led the company as it grew 
to employ 600 people with 11 locations across North America. Following 
its merger with Paperworks Industry Inc., Carlton stayed on as Vice 
Chairman of the Board until his retirement four years ago. He continues 
his involvement with the business and education communities as a member 
of the Board of Directors of First Niagra Bank, the Connecticut Center 
for Arts and Technology and the National Center for Arts and 
Technology. He also serves as the Vice Chair of Quinnipiac University's 
Board of Trustees, a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's New 
England Economic Advisory Council. Co-Chairman of the Career 
Advancement Committee of the Connecticut Employment and Training 
Commission and a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison, his alma mater.
  The difference Carlton has made in our community extends far beyond 
his professional contributions. Having served as Chair of I Have a 
Dream, Chairman of the Finance Board of the Dixwell Avenue 
Congregational Church, a Director of Achievement First, a Director of 
Amistad Academy Charter School, and a Trustee of Yale-New Haven 
Hospital, his generosity, compassion, and leadership has enriched the 
New Haven community--making it a better place to live, learn and grow.
  Through his invaluable professional contributions and his 
unparalleled service to our community, Carlton has left an indelible 
mark on our community. Together with his wife, Leta, their children 
Alexis and her husband Ken and Jennifer and her husband Larry, it is my 
honor and privilege to stand today to join the Connecticut Anti-
Defamation League and the New Haven community in paying tribute to 
Carlton L. Highsmith for his invaluable contributions. Every community 
should be so fortunate as to have such a selfless, dedicated individual 
who so willingly commits his time and energy to enriching the community 
and improving the quality of life for all.

                          ____________________