[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 28, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING CELTIC MEDIA CENTRE

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, the people and businesses of 
Louisiana have continued to display remarkable strength, perseverance, 
and selfless service throughout the ongoing flooding and fallout in the 
State. Celtic Media Centre is certainly no exception to this outpouring 
of help and determination in its efforts to aid the community, and for 
this reason, I would like to recognize this fine company as Small 
Business of the Week. Without its willingness to accommodate any and 
all victims at a moment's notice, over 2,000 people would have been 
left to weather the catastrophe alone and with no roof over their 
heads.
  Celtic Media Centre, CMC, was founded by Brendan O'Connor in 2005 and 
has become the largest film and television production studio in the 
State of Louisiana. A Baton Rouge-based company, CMC originally catered 
exclusively to the smaller independent film industry. However, after 
continued success and expansion, the company now boasts an impressive 
resume, including major productions such as ``True Blood'' and 
``Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2.'' Brendan's son Michael 
took over as president and CEO after his father's unfortunate passing 
in 2009, and Patrick Mulhearn was brought on as the executive director 
of studio operations. Under their leadership, the studio has blossomed 
into what it is today.
  The recent flooding in Louisiana is not the first time that Michael 
and Patrick teamed up to help the community. In 2012, after signing an 
agreement to aid the Red Cross during disasters, CMC provided shelter 
to over 500 Red Cross volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. 
This experience became vital for the much bigger task they had to face 
during the recent floods. Although no State or Federal contract was in 
place in advance, Mr. O'Connor gave Patrick the green light when a 
phone call came through from the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 
3:05 a.m. August 14 to do whatever was necessary to help the increasing 
number of victims seeking shelter. Despite no time to prepare, CMC 
opened all its facilities and the buses of evacuees began to arrive at 
5 a.m. Not only did Celtic take in over 4,000 evacuees at high water 
mark the first day and sheltered over 2,500 at night, they also 
welcomed all pets due to their longstanding pet-friendly policy. 
Although at first a struggle to provide anything but a roof and water, 
the operation ultimately expanded to include countless generous 
individuals and other companies throughout the area. Guests were able 
to enjoy a wide range of free desserts, gourmet coffee, moon bounces 
for the kids, live music, and even a special visit from the LSU 
football team. In addition, CMC was not only willing to host these 
thousands of victims and families, but the last evacuees did not leave 
until 12 days later. During one of the most trying times in Louisiana 
history, Celtic Media Centre not only showed its resolute dedication to 
the Louisiana community but did so for nearly 2 weeks straight. CMC is 
a remarkable example of true community spirit and selfless service.
  I would like to extend my humble gratitude to Celtic Media Centre for 
its tremendous efforts in service to the Louisiana families and 
communities affected by the horrific flooding. Actions like theirs 
truly embodies the American spirit of unity and service that is 
required in such times of need. I wish them the best in their ongoing 
recovery efforts and continued growth and success in the business 
world.

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