[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2931-S2932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING CENTRAL PLUMBING CO.

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses have the unique 
opportunity to train skilled workers and create

[[Page S2932]]

well-paying jobs for members of their communities, while also providing 
necessary services with quality customer service. These apprenticeship 
programs are becoming increasingly useful to add highly-skilled workers 
to the general workforce. In recognition of their contribution, this 
week's Small Business of the Week is Central Plumbing Co. of Baton 
Rouge, La.
  Founded in 1974 by the Payne family, Central Plumbing began serving 
the Baton Rouge area with one truck and a commitment to quality 
plumbing service. In the more than 40 years since, the Payne family has 
grown their business into a 40-employee operation, operating 20 trucks 
across the Southern Louisiana region. Today, fourth generation Master 
Plumber Jay Payne oversees operations of the business, continuing their 
commitment to providing the highest level service in residential and 
commercial plumbing.
  Central Plumbing's commitment to service does not stop with their 
customers. With generations of Paynes joining the family business, the 
company realized the need for an organized program to train the next 
generation of Master Plumbers. Central Plumbing apprenticeship program 
offers the opportunity to learn the trade through paid, hands-on 
training and support. Programs like this can often serve as an 
alternative for individuals who do not pursue higher education. 
Apprenticeship programs are beneficial opportunities to pave the way 
for folks to become experts in a highly specialized field and get paid 
accordingly, and also provide a certain amount of security for 
sustained future of the industry and the small businesses who 
administer them.
  Congratulations again to Small Business of the Week--Central Plumbing 
Co. Thank you for your decades of service and ongoing commitment to 
create good quality, high-paying jobs and to train the next generation 
of Louisianians to be Master Plumbers.

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