[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 19, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING HANKO'S METAL WORKS, INC.

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, oftentimes small businesses have 
the unique ability to tackle economic problems in their communities 
head on, providing hands-on solutions through hard work and ingenuity. 
As we begin the new year, I would like to recognize Hanko's Metal 
Works, Inc., of Berwick, LA as small business of the week.
  In the midst of economic hardship in 1985, Harry ``Hanko'' Hoffpauir 
opened Hanko's Metal Works with the goal of creating jobs and spurring 
economic activity in his community. With 27 years of experience in 
southern Louisiana's maritime industry, Hoffpauir began building 
aluminum boats, quickly developing a strong reputation for durability 
and remarkable craftsmanship. Having started his career as a 
superintendent overseeing major maritime construction efforts, 
including building offshore platforms drilling for oil and natural gas, 
Hanko and his small business were poised for success.
  Today Hanko's Metal Works, Inc., has grown from an operation of two 
employees to a team of over 35 individuals serving thousands of 
customers worldwide. Building upon a reputation for craftsmanship and 
ingenuity, Hanko's continues to develop innovative products, including 
developing the first oilfield gauging boats that were used to help in 
the recovery efforts following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, 
which devastated Louisiana's vulnerable coastal wetlands and the Gulf 
of Mexico. Additionally, Hanko's Metal Work, Inc., has also developed 
vee barges, as well as high-performance fishing and family boats that 
are ranked as the best aluminum boats constructed in Louisiana.
  Congratulations again to Hanko's Metal Work, Inc., for being selected 
as the small business of the week. Thank you for your commitment to 
economic development in the southern Louisiana region, and I look 
forward to your continued growth and success.

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