[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 136 (Friday, September 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO ED MORLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2016

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Mr. 
Ed Morlan of Bayfield, Colorado. Ed has worked tirelessly for decades 
to grow the economy of Southwest Colorado and provide opportunities for 
countless families in his community to succeed and prosper.
   Ed's life of service started before his work in local economic 
development when he fought for his country in three tours in Vietnam. 
For his actions he received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. Returning 
from Vietnam, Ed set his sights on making a difference in his 
community, becoming a town board member of Bayfield, CO, for five terms 
while also working with the Region 9 Economic Development District of 
Southwest Colorado, a nonprofit organization that supports business 
startups, that has given more than $19 million to advance growth and 
opportunity in the region which encompasses five counties and two 
Indian Reservations.
   Through his hard work over 27 years, as Executive Director of Region 
9--a fledgling organization with a $30,000 deficit when Ed took over in 
1989. Ed has overseen an expansion of the organization that now boasts 
an operating budget of close to $2 million dollars and has for decades 
been instrumental in the economic health of Southwest Colorado.
   The mining industry in Silverton, CO has faced several rounds of 
layoffs in recent decades. Ed's work with Region 9 has helped to offset 
many of these negative impacts by creating a thriving environment for 
small businesses. Through the years, under Ed's direction, Region 9 has 
assisted businesses from hardware stores, to ski areas, and even an 
animal hospital.
   Mr. Speaker, Ed Morlan is an outstanding citizen of Colorado's Third 
Congressional District. He embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and 
commitment to community that makes this such a special place to live. 
Without Ed's hard work, many rural businesses would not be thriving 
today. Although Ed is retiring from Region 9, he plans on continuing to 
help the community. On behalf of the people of Colorado's Third 
District I want to thank Ed for his work, and service to his country 
and community. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________