[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 57 (Thursday, April 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING RECIPIENTS OF THE IOWA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION'S FIRST 
               QUARTER 2016 STARS OF HOSPITALITY PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE KING

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2016

  Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I.would like to recognize Matthew 
Rumeliote, Pam Bartholomew, Cindy Papouchis and Donna Meacham with 
Northwestern Steakhouse, Mason City. These four outstanding individuals 
are recipients of the Iowa Restaurant Association's First Quarter 2016 
Stars of Hospitality Program.
  The Iowa Restaurant Association's Stars of Hospitality Program 
celebrates individuals who have made a career in the restaurant by 
working at a single establishment and/or for a specific company for 
more than 20 years. The Program recognizes the importance of these team 
members to their employer, while also celebrating the professionalism 
they display daily.
  In a meeting in my Washington, D.C. office, I was told about the 
perseverance and work ethic of the recipients. The stories brought a 
smile to my face because wherever we go, in-state, out-of-state or 
abroad, Iowans are well-known for their hard work and pull yourself up 
by your bootstraps mentality.
  I am also grateful to the numerous restaurants across our state and 
our nation that provide varied opportunities, good-paying jobs and 
upward mobility for millions of Americans. The contribution these 
businesses make to our market and culture should be acknowledged by all 
and remembered by lawmakers when we craft policy that impacts the 
restaurant industry. Overly zealous regulation that harms hardworking 
business also diminishes opportunities for hardworking individuals, 
those like Matthew, Pam, Cindy and Donna.
  Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for these individuals, businesses and the 
opportunity to recognize American success. In our nation, if you work 
hard, you can accomplish much. We need to make sure it stays that way.

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