[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING JESSICA M. BARRETT ON RECEIVING THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS 
ADMINISTRATION'S 2016 WOMEN IN BUSINESS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 
                                  GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2016

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Jessica M. Barrett on her selection as the U.S. Small Business 
Administration's 2016 Women in Business Champion for Guam. This award 
honors an individual on Guam who, as an advocate for women 
entrepreneurs, has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women's 
business ownership.
   Jessica is the President of Barrett Enterprise, Inc., a local 
family-owned business started in 1972 by her parents Jack and Maxine 
Barrett that provides basic plumbing and water infrastructure services 
to residential, commercial, and government clients on Guam. Originally 
an operation of two employees providing only plumbing services, today, 
Barrett Plumbing has grown to a workforce of 19 full-time and locally 
hired employees, including five women, providing plumbing services, as 
well as maintenance and installation of new construction of water and 
wastewater lines infrastructure. Under Jessica's leadership, Barrett 
Plumbing expanded its operations and achieved federal HUBZone 
certification. The company also partners with the Guam Department of 
Labor to provide an apprenticeship program to train new practitioners 
on Guam.
   Jessica is also deeply involved with several community organizations 
on Guam. She is a founding member and current president of the Guam 
Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). 
In this capacity, Jessica has worked to provide guidance and counsel to 
local organizations and businesses about promoting and advancing the 
role of women in the construction industry. She has also supported 
local organizations such as the Guam Animals in Need (GAIN), Santa 
Teresita Catholic Church, and Catholic Social Services. Further, in 
2014, the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce recognized Jessica as Guam's 
first Chamorro woman plumber.
   I join the people of Guam in congratulating Jessica Barrett on her 
selection as the SBA's 2016 Women in Business Champion for Guam. I 
commend her for her many contributions to our island and community.

                          ____________________