[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1509-E1510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 LAURA TOBEY, NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE, PREMIUM PANELS INC., 
    WANCO INC., COMMUNITY FIRST FOUNDATION AND GENE AND DEE MILSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2016

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Laura Tobey with 
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Premium Panels Inc., Wanco Inc., 
Community First Foundation, and Gene and Dee Milstein for being honored 
by the Arvada Economic Development Association for their outstanding 
contributions to the Arvada community.
  Laura Tobey is posthumously recognized with the ``Community Champion 
Award''. Through her vision, enthusiasm and leadership, Laura was 
instrumental in the redevelopment of the blighted buildings in Olde 
Town Arvada. Today this area of Arvada is a thriving retail and 
commercial district. Her significant impact on the community will be 
felt for years to come.
  Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage is recognized as ``Retailer of the 
Year''. Their capital

[[Page E1510]]

investment of $750,000 to the property at 77th and Wadsworth Boulevard 
created improvements to the facade and interiors including opening an 
interior walkway to all tenants. I commend Natural Grocers by Vitamin 
Cottage on their mission is to provide shoppers with an affordable, 
healthy lifestyle as well as empower them to take control of their own 
wellbeing.
  Premium Panels Inc. is recognized as the ``Outstanding Small 
Business'' for their $3.1 million capital investment in a building in 
the Arvada Tech Center allowing the company to remain in Arvada and 
double their workforce. Premium Panels provides high quality metal 
roofing panels for commercial and residential roofing.
  Wanco Inc. is recognized with the ``Outstanding Large Business 
Award'' for their $8.6 million expansion of a 95,000 square foot 
building which resulted in the retention of the existing facility and 
200 new jobs. Wanco was established in 1984 and is the leading 
manufacturer of highway safety and traffic control products.
  Community First Foundation is recognized with the ``Community 
Partnership Award'' for their $1 million grant to Red Rocks Community 
College (RRCC) Health Sciences building in Arvada. This investment in 
the RRCC will improve the quality of education for students and create 
positive change within the community. Community First Foundation is a 
grant making public charity dedicated to identifying and solving broad 
community problems.Gene and Dee Milstein are recognized with the 
``Lloyd J King Entrepreneurial Spirit Award''.
  Gene and Dee are the founders and owners of Applewood Seed Company 
which has been in business for more than 50 years. Applewood Seed 
Company is a premier commercial and wholesale supplier of wildflower, 
garden flower, native grass and herb seed. I commend them on their 
commitment to innovation, their community and the environment.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to recognize each of the 
Arvada Economic Development Association award recipients for their 
professionalism, investment in the community, and their dedication to 
making Arvada a thriving world class city.

                          ____________________