[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 135 (Friday, September 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING MARY BINKLEY FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

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                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 2015

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
Alaskan Pioneer--a woman who helped shape our great State and a dear 
friend of mine--Mary Binkley. From her humble beginnings with Jim on 
the Chena and Tanana Rivers to her dedication to public service, Mary 
has been a solid foundation to her family, Fairbanks and the state of 
Alaska.
   Mary arrived to Alaska in 1944. As the matriarch of the Binkley 
family, Mary was crucial to the growth of their family business--from 
the Godspeed, a 25-passenger vessel, to what would become the Binkley 
enterprise. She has been the backbone of the Discover Riverboat Touring 
Company since its founding in 1950; a business which still operates 
today. When her husband, Jim, entered the Alaska State Legislature, 
Mary stepped up to successfully manage the family business. The company 
played a vital role in helping grow and modernize the entire region. 
When I traveled in Fairbanks, I traveled on the Riverboats Discovery.
   Mary has been a leading Alaskan woman her entire life. She has 
always had a big heart and deep respect for the rich history and 
culture of the Alaska Native people. She consistently went out of her 
way to hire Alaska Natives, learning everything she could about their 
culture and graciously sharing hers in return. Those relationships echo 
her tireless efforts to build community.
   Her dedication to improving the economy and her resilience to the 
unforgiving Alaskan frontier make her the definition of determination. 
I will always consider Mary a dear friend and pivotal stalwart in 
moving Alaska into the future. I could not be more honored to recognize 
her lifelong efforts as an Alaskan and one who sets the standard for 
others to follow.

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