[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 73 (Tuesday, May 10, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E659-E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE NORTHWEST INDIANA BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME CLASS 
                                OF 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect and admiration 
that I rise to commend numerous exceptional leaders from Indiana who 
were honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of 
Fame's Class of 2016. While there were many deserving nominees, the 
individuals selected as this year's inductees include: Greg Ludkovsky, 
Frank Schilling, Harley Snyder, JoAnn Birdzell, Urschel Laboratories, 
Incorporated, and State Senator Earline Rogers. For their many 
contributions to the advancement of Northwest Indiana, these honorees 
were recognized at a ceremony at the Radisson Hotel Celebrity Ballroom 
in Merrillville, Indiana, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.
  Since 2007, Greg Ludkovsky has been vice president of global research 
and development at ArcelorMittal. He has been a driving force for 
global customer relations, which has changed ArcelorMittal from a 
materials supplier to a solutions supplier. Greg works directly with 
automotive original equipment manufacturers to develop one-of-a-kind 
steel. In addition, he has been a leader in engaging East Chicago 
school students by bringing them into the facility to teach them about 
the science and technology that takes place at ArcelorMittal each day.
  Frank Schilling is the president of Schilling Home Improvement 
Center. Schilling Home Improvement Center has been very successful and 
currently serves more than 400 contractors. In addition, Schilling 
Development currently has 1,000 lots ready for housing development in 
Northwest Indiana. Frank and his wife, Shirley, have put much time and 
effort into building the Shrine of Christ's Passion, located in Saint 
John. This moving interactive prayer trail illustrates the last days of 
the life of Jesus Christ. Frank is very active in charitable 
organizations and is involved with the Women's Crisis Center and the 
American Heart Association.
  Harley Snyder is a real estate and land development executive and the 
president of HSC, Incorporated. He recently completed ten years as the 
governor's founding appointee to the Northwest Indiana Regional 
Development Authority. In this position, he worked on the development 
of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, as well as the expansion and 
improvement of the South Shore commuter rail line. Throughout his truly 
impressive career, Harley has helped to develop some 3,000 homes in 
Lake and Porter Counties. In 1976, he became the first chairman of the 
Realtor's Equal Opportunity Committee, which created the first non-
discrimination agreement. This helped to ensure that people of any race 
or religion could own a home. In addition, Harley has served on the 
board of Valparaiso University for twenty years, is a member of the 
Porter County Community Foundation, and was the first chairman of the 
Northwest Indiana Forum.
  JoAnn Birdzell is the chief executive officer (CEO) for Saint 
Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. JoAnn has been a leader in 
healthcare administration for many years. In 1995, she was named senior 
vice president of operations for Ancilla Systems, where she oversaw 
seven hospitals throughout Indiana and Illinois. In 2001, she assisted 
in the merger of Saint Catherine Hospital and Saint Mary Medical Center 
with the Community Healthcare System. As CEO of Saint Catherine 
Hospital, JoAnn leads through modern management techniques and follows 
the hospital's mission to serve all in need of medical care. In 
addition, she is a member of the Indiana Hospital Association Board, 
has helped to promote Medicaid expansion in Indiana, and assisted in 
the founding of the Nazareth Home in East Chicago.
  The recipient of the Enterprise of the Year Award is Urschel 
Laboratories, Incorporated. For over 100 years, Urschel Laboratories 
has been known for its innovation, excellent customer service, and 
generosity. Recently, the company completed construction of its new $80 
million facility. In March of this year, the Urschel family sold the 
company to its employees in order to ensure a secure retirement for 
each of them. In addition, the Urschel family has given much of its 
time, effort, and contributions throughout the years to the Boys and 
Girls Clubs of Porter County, the Valparaiso Family YMCA, and the 
William E. Urschel Pavilion ice rink in Valparaiso.
  The recipient of the Partners in Progress Award and the keynote 
speaker for the event is the Honorable Earline Rogers, Indiana State

[[Page E660]]

Senator. For decades, Senator Rogers has been one of the Indiana 
General Assembly's most valuable and impactful leaders. Earline served 
eight years in the Indiana House of Representatives before she was 
elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1990, and the effect she has had 
on the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond is truly inspiring and 
immeasurable. To name just a few of her countless accomplishments, 
Senator Rogers helped to create casino gaming in Indiana, co-authored 
riverboat gaming legislation, helped to raise the age at which the 
death penalty can be applied in Indiana to the age of eighteen, 
assisted with the creation of the Northwest Indiana Regional 
Development Authority, and has been instrumental in major education 
reform. In addition, Senator Rogers serves as a member of the Northwest 
Indiana Transportation Study Commission and the Indiana Lakes 
Management Work Group, and is president of the board of trustees for 
the Gary YWCA.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
commending these outstanding leaders upon their induction into the 
Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. They are truly 
deserving of this honor, and for their exceptional leadership and 
unwavering commitment to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, 
each of them is worthy of the highest praise.

                          ____________________