[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 140 (Monday, September 28, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING DOWNTOWN GOLDSBORO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 28, 2015

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Downtown 
Goldsboro Development Corporation (DGDC) on the occasion of their 
Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The DGDC was established in 1979 as 
a non-profit organization dedicated to improving Downtown Goldsboro by 
creating and facilitating downtown development, promotion, and 
preservation activities.
  DGDC's employees and members of its board strive to work with local 
community members, downtown merchants, and other groups to enhance the 
appearance, desirability, and vitality of Downtown Goldsboro. DGDC's 
work that started some 36 years ago continues today under the capable 
leadership of its Executive Director, Ms. Julie M. Metz.
  I have had the pleasure of representing the City of Goldsboro since 
coming to Congress 11 years ago and have witnessed firsthand the 
renaissance of Downtown Goldsboro. The significant infrastructure 
improvements and beautification efforts have helped to draw new 
residents and businesses to the City and helped to create jobs and 
expand the tax base. I was proud to accompany U.S. Secretaries of 
Transportation Ray LaHood and Anthony Foxx to Goldsboro. They were 
equally impressed by the focused efforts of DGDC and the City in 
pursuing the Goldsboro Master Plan.
  Implementing that long term plan takes strategic partnerships between 
federal and local government and individuals and businesses. And it is 
DGDC's Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony that recognizes and honors the 
dedicated work of those that have labored so hard to improve the City 
of Goldsboro and its vibrant downtown.
  Awardees are honored in a variety of categories, including awards for 
Best Curb Appeal, Best Promotional or Marketing Effort, Best New 
Business, Indicator of the Year, the ``Thank You'' Award, Historic 
Preservation, Volunteer of the Year, Design Improvement, Advocate of 
the Year, Board Member of the Year, Outstanding Investor, Most Valuable 
Supporter, and Outstanding Business of the Year.
  This year's award recipients are most deserving of DGDC's 
recognition. They have gone to great lengths on behalf of those who 
live, work, and visit Downtown Goldsboro. I ask my colleagues join me 
in congratulating this year's award recipients and in extending best 
wishes as they continue to build upon the City's great successes.

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