[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMEMORATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF PATTY FUCHS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Patty Fuchs on her 
twenty-two years of dedication and service to Goodwill Industries of 
Central Illinois.
  From the very beginning, Patty Fuchs, a native of Peoria, Illinois 
and the CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, strived to 
support the people around her and ensure success for every facet of the 
Central Illinois community. A graduate of Peoria High School and 
Bradley University, where she ultimately earned her master's degree, 
Patty decided to first give back to the Peoria education system by 
becoming a teacher at McKinley Grade School. At this point in her life, 
she discovered her passion for watching people grow to their full 
potential.
  When Patty accepted the CEO position at Goodwill Industries of 
Central Illinois, she turned a struggling non-profit into a flourishing 
and successful institution. Under Patty's nearly two decade long 
tenure, Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois underwent a period of 
tremendous expansion. Currently, the non-profit oversees eleven stores 
and provides vocational programs across twenty-one counties. Because of 
their annual successes, total persons served grew from 100 in 1993 to 
1,800 served in 2014. In addition, the organization, today, employees 
nearly 400 people compared to the mere 65 employed in 1993 when Patty 
began her role as CEO. These statistics attest to Patty's dedication to 
the organization and her tireless efforts to successfully expand and 
develop the non-profit to serve more individuals and families in the 
community.
  Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois as well as the Central 
Illinois community ultimately benefited under Patty's leadership. I 
wish her a wonderful retirement surrounded by her family and loved 
ones. Again, congratulations, Patty, on your successful career and 
retirement.

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