[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 8, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DAVID SAMRICK

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Mr. David 
Samrick on the occasion of his recognition as the 2014 Service Center 
Executive of the Year by Metal Center News. Mr. Samrick has worked at 
Mill Steel since 1965, and was named president in 1976 after his father 
stepped back from day-to-day management of the family's company. Under 
his leadership, Mill Steel has grown from a single-location in Grand 
Rapids, MI into the 23rd largest service center organization selling 
flat-rolled steel from Canada to the gulf coast. I appreciate the 
opportunity to recognize Mr. Samrick's success as a business leader, as 
well as the contributions he has made to communities throughout western 
Michigan.
  Mr. Samrick is the heart and soul of Mill Steel, the company founded 
by his parents in 1959. Its success is a testament to Mr. Samrick's 
team-building skills and his confidence in the company's leadership. 
Each member of the six-person leadership team has equity in the 
company, and all share the responsibility of directing its operations. 
The team reflects a diversity which is unique in the steel industry, a 
reflection of Mr. Samrick's belief in attracting the best talent 
available regardless of age or gender. An example of the breadth and 
diversity of experience at Mill Steel is the fact that--when you 
include Mr. Samrick--the company's leadership team includes individuals 
born in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
  The success of Mr. Samrick's approach to management is evident in 
Mill Steel's track record, especially during the past 5 years. The 
company's revenue first crossed the $100 million mark in the early 
2000s. In 2010, Mill Steel expanded outside the Midwest with the 
purchase of the former Coated Steel facility in Birmingham, AL. Last 
year, it added a facility at the Port of Indiana to its holdings. This 
has allowed Mill Steel to become a prominent player in the flat-roll 
steel market from Toronto to Texas. It anticipates 700,000 tons of 
flat-rolled steel will pass through the doors of Mill Steel next year, 
with revenue expected to exceed $600 million in 2015.
  Mill Steel's success is due in no small part to the company's hard 
work and the loyalty displayed between it and its clients. Mr. 
Samrick's patient and trusting leadership has helped Mill Steel remain 
flexible during economic downturns. This flexibility is also 
illustrated in the company's commitment to technology and service. In 
particular, the company's Rapid Response program allows it to regularly 
prepare and ship an order within 4 hours of being received. Mr. 
Samrick's trust in his team allows Mill Steel to address the dynamic 
needs of its customers, encouraging loyalty and trust across the board.
  Mr. Samrick's successful approach to leadership is not only rooted in 
his confidence in the leadership and staff of Steel Mill; it reflects 
his love for his family and a desire to lead a balanced lifestyle. Mr. 
Samrick is devoted to his wife, two children and five grandchildren. He 
also embraces a culture of philanthropy, demonstrated by his role as a 
national leader on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and 
his longtime commitment to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western 
Michigan and its parent organization, D.A. Blodgett St. John's of 
Michigan.
  For almost 20 years, Mill Steel has led the fundraising efforts of 
Big Brother and Big Sisters of Western Michigan. The company took 
leadership of the organization's annual golf outing in 1996. Since that 
time, the event has raised nearly $1.7 million, helping match 11,000 
children with mentors. The annual golf outing culminates in a dinner 
where the Harry Samrick Scholarship, named in honor of Mr. Samrick's 
father, is awarded. It is one of the many ways Mr. Samrick and Mill 
Steel supports children, including services projects at group homes and 
visits to children hospitals.
  Again, I would like to congratulate Mr. David Samrick on being 
recognized as the 2014 Service Center Executive of the Year by Metal 
Center News. I applaud Mr. Samrick's success, as well as his dedication 
to his family and community. I am confident his leadership will 
continue to shape the future of Steel Mill and communities throughout 
western Michigan.

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