[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S4899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO THOMAS J. MINKLER

 Ms. AYOTTE. Madam President, I wish to recognize Thomas J. 
Minkler of Keene, NH, as he nears the end of his term as the 109th 
chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, also 
known as the Big ``I.'' Tom was installed as chairman of the Big ``I'' 
in September 2013, and he has been a strong and thoughtful leader for 
independent insurance agents across the country.
  Tom is president of the Clark-Mortenson Agency, which is 
headquartered in Keene. Previously, he served as chairman of the 
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New Hampshire, as New 
Hampshire director on the Big ``I'' national board, and as president of 
the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents.
  As I recognize Tom, I would also like to acknowledge his wife Heather 
Minkler. She serves as chief executive officer of the Clark-Mortenson 
Agency in Keene. Together, Tom and Heather are a truly dynamic team. 
They always find time to give back to the community, serving as members 
of numerous charitable organizations and civic boards when they aren't 
managing their agency, which has 52 employees in five office locations 
in New Hampshire and Vermont.
  I am pleased to join Tom's colleagues from across New Hampshire and 
the Nation in congratulating him as he finishes his term as 
chairman.

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