[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE 2016 NIPSCO LUMINARY AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I rise to commend the recipients of this year's NIPSCO Luminary 
Awards. The Luminary Awards were created to honor prominent individuals 
or organizations for their exemplary leadership. This year's honorees 
include Barb Young, Jim Staton, Thomas Keon, and the Shirley Heinze 
Land Trust. For their outstanding contributions to the community in 
Northwest Indiana and beyond, the honorees will be recognized at a 
ceremony on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at NiSource Corporate 
Headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana.
   Barb Young, president and chief executive officer of the Porter 
County Community Foundation, is the recipient of this year's Community 
Leadership Award. Barb will be retiring from her position at the end of 
2016 after serving the last twenty years as the foundation's president. 
During her tenure, Barb assisted with the issuing of more than $18 
million in grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships for 
county residents. She was also heavily involved in the establishment of 
Empower Porter County, an organization created with the mission of 
fighting substance abuse. In addition, Barb has been instrumental in 
the development of a ten-year plan to end homelessness in Porter 
County. Barb Young is a leader in every sense of the word, and she is 
most worthy of this prestigious honor.
   Jim Staton, Regional Director for the Indiana Economic Development 
Commission (IEDC), is the recipient of the Economic Development Award. 
Jim has been a trailblazer for economic development in Northwest 
Indiana since the early 1990's. Through his position with the IEDC, Jim 
is committed to bringing jobs and investment to Northwest Indiana 
through projects and organizations such as BP's $4 billion plus 
expansion, Hoist Lift Trucks in East Chicago, Pratt Industries in 
Valparaiso, Alcoa in La Porte, Modern Forge in Merrillville, Green 
Sense Farms in Portage, and many, many more. This year, Jim was named 
one of America's top 50 economic developers by Consultant Connect. For 
his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of 
Northwest Indiana and beyond, Jim Staton is worthy of the highest 
praise.
   Chancellor Thomas Keon, of Purdue University Northwest, is the 
recipient of the 2016 Educator Award. Under his leadership and 
direction, Chancellor Keon works with the University to foster 
collaboration between business and education through innovation. Some 
examples of this partnership include the founding and creating of the 
Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation, the Energy 
Center, the Center for Business and Economic Development, and the 
Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center. For his 
exceptional dedication to empowering individuals through education, 
Chancellor Thomas Keon is an inspiration to his students and the 
community and is truly deserving of this outstanding accolade.
   The Shirley Heinze Land Trust is the recipient of the Environmental 
Stewardship Award. Since its founding in 1981, the Shirley Heinze Land 
Trust has worked to protect the habitats and ecosystems of Northwest 
Indiana and to educate residents about land conservation. Currently, it 
is managing more than 2,100 acres in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Saint 
Joseph counties. The organization works with a vast group of 
volunteers, professionals, and businesses to maintain and protect these 
grounds. Recently, the organization's first capital campaign raised 
$4.6 million and will add 400 acres of preserved land, while restoring 
an additional 250 acres. For its truly important environmental work, 
the Shirley Heinze Land Trust is most deserved of this exceptional 
honor.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other colleagues to join me in 
commending these remarkable leaders, innovators, and organizations. For 
their outstanding contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana 
and their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for 
its residents, each recipient is worthy of the honors bestowed upon 
them.

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