[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 185 (Friday, December 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 2015 STARS OVER DULLES AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Dulles Regional 
Chamber of Commerce for its ongoing dedication to local businesses and 
our community and to congratulate the 2015 ``Stars Over Dulles'' Award 
recipients.
   This year, at the 20th Annual Stars Over Dulles Awards Luncheon, the 
Chamber will honor those extraordinary businesses, non-profit 
organizations and citizens who have dedicated their talents and 
activities to enhancing our economy and our community.
   As the former Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 
and now as a Member of Congress representing this community, I have 
been proud to partner with the Chamber on promoting the region's pro-
business climate and celebrating the service that so many individuals 
and businesses provide to our community.
   I am pleased to submit the following recipients of the 2015 Stars 
Over Dulles Awards:
   Public Service Star: Presented to Delegate Thomas Rust (86th 
District) for more than 30 years of public service, including as 
Chairman of the House of Delegates Transportation Committee and as 
Mayor of Herndon.
   Veterans Star: Presented to Col. Paul Patton, USAF (Retired) of 
CACI, whose life of service has extended far beyond his time in the Air 
Force and serves as an example for others to follow.
   Community Stars: Presented to Doug and Annie Downer and Laura and 
George Price for their organization of the beverage shifts during the 
World Police and Fire Games, during which they found the personnel for 
391 volunteer shifts.
   Innovation Stars: Presented to Bruce Blechl, Jerome Williams, Bill 
Knight, and Barry Biggar for their presentation to Fairfax County of 
the idea to host the 2015 World Police and Fire Games.
   STEM Star: Presented to The Childrens Science Center for their 
opening of a new laboratory in Fair Oaks this summer. The lab is a 
major addition to our region's ability to encourage a new generation of 
STEM learners.
   Housing Star: Presented posthumously to Bill Lauer, founder of Tetra 
Partners, for his tireless work to end homelessness in Fairfax County. 
Bill was a driver of Fairfax County's efforts to preserve affordable 
housing and the Initiative to End Homelessness, built homes himself, 
and was about to become president of Cornerstones before his untimely 
death.
   Deal of the Year: Presented to The Town of Herndon for its managing 
of the sale of the Ashwell property, which will allow the town to 
consolidate its plans to redevelop the downtown area.
   Technology Star: Presented to Peter Jobse of the Center for 
Innovative Technology, who is retiring this year after leading the 
Center for almost 40 years.
   Global Business Star: Presented to Trade Center Management 
Associates, home to the International Trade Center, for providing a 
dynamic forum for trade promotion in the heart of the nation's capital.
   New Business Star: Presented to Stone Springs Hospital Center, which 
opened a brand new facility earlier this year to provide needed care to 
thousands of individuals with the help of their dedicated staff and 
resources.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
2015 Stars Over Dulles Award recipients and in thanking these 
businesses and individuals for their many contributions to our region's 
economic success and quality of life. These contributions are among the 
many reasons why Fairfax County is one of the best places in the 
country in which to live, work, and raise a family. I commend them on 
their awards and wish them great success in all future endeavors.

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