[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 93 (Monday, June 13, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S3827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING PONTCHARTRAIN PARTNERS LLC

 Mr.. VITTER. Mr. President, as we approach the start of 
hurricane season in the United States, I would like to specifically 
honor the work of one award-winning company that has provided services 
following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina to better prepare 
Louisianians to weather the next big storm. This week, I would like to 
recognize Pontchartrain Partners LLC of New Orleans, LA, as Small 
Business of the Week.
  In 2009, Tim Jarquin and Danny Blanks founded Pontchartrain Partners 
LLC in New Orleans, LA. As service disabled veterans, Jarquin and 
Blanks focused on long-term rebuilding of the New Orleans flood 
protection system. In the months after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, 
Pontchartrain Partners played a major role in preparing the greater New 
Orleans area and surrounding parishes to weather the next big storm and 
potentially prevent the billions of dollars in damage that we witnessed 
in 2005.
  In just 7 years, the team at Pontchartrain Partners has built strong 
relationships with local, State, and Federal agencies, and has secured 
contracts for construction, civil engineering, and their continued work 
on flood protection and expansion. Additionally, Jarquin and Blanks 
have earned several awards and commendations for their important work 
from State and Federal agencies and Louisiana and national business 
organizations. Most recently, they were recognized as the Veteran Small 
Business Champion by the Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. 
Small Business Administration. Additionally, Pontchartrain Partners has 
also been recognized as one of the top 10 fastest growing companies in 
New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina by the Inc. 500 group, and has also 
been recognized as the 38th fastest growing company in America in 2014, 
and No. 1 in government services for the State of Louisiana.
  I would like to congratulate Pontchartrain Partners LLC once more and 
express my appreciation for their valuable contributions to our State's 
infrastructure, our safety, and our economy. I look forward to seeing 
their continued growth and success for many years to come.

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