[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1340-E1341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORION INDUSTRIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and 
distinguished career of Bruce Nesbitt. Fifty years ago, Mr. Nesbitt 
founded Orion Industries in his parent's basement on the Northwest side 
of Chicago by first applying coating to race car engine parts. He 
convinced any friends, relatives, and initial suppliers that would 
listen to his sales pitch to buy stock in his coating company. Today, 
Orion Industries applies Teflon coating on consumer bake ware, 
automotive, and industrial products and has grown from 3 employees to 
138. Orion Industries continues to grow and create jobs in Chicago and 
recently announced relocating to a larger facility in the Fifth 
District to accommodate its booming production. Needless to say, those 
initial shareholders that believed in Bruce made a handsome return on 
their investment in what is now a leader in the industrial coatings 
industry.
  The success of Orion Industries is due to the entrepreneurial 
creativity and work ethic of its founder who can often be found at his 
plant's in-house laboratory. Mr. Nesbitt was educated in public high 
schools and colleges on the Northwest side of Chicago. Even though he 
never received a college degree, Mr. Nesbitt holds 31 U.S. Patents and 
has 9 pending, earning him membership in the Chicago Entrepreneurial 
Hall of Fame. Under Mr. Nesbitt's leadership, Orion Industries was 
awarded the DuPont Plunkett Award for Industrial Innovation this past 
year. Amidst all these titles and distinctions, Mr. Nesbitt was also 
given the unofficial title of CTO, ``Chief Tinkerologist'' by his 
employees at Orion Industries. Best of all, Bruce remains a hardworking 
and humble ``Chicago guy'' amidst all his success.
  Bruce would be the first to tell you that his family is his first 
priority, and they have provided support for all of his activities. His 
family includes his two daughters; Amber, her husband Ben Wood and 
their two children, Brecon Michael and newborn, Gwyneth Adele, and 
Greer and her husband, William Swearingen.
  He and Diane Jacobson continue to reside in Chicago and support 
numerous local charities and civic organizations like the Time Line 
Theatre and Adaptive Adventures.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Bruce 
Nesbitt and Orion Industries on the 50th anniversary of the company's 
founding. It is always encouraging to see someone follow their passion, 
open a successful business, and give back to their community. I wish 
Mr. Nesbitt and all the employees at Orion Industries the best of luck 
in their future endeavors.

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