[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 82 (Thursday, May 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE GRAND OPENING OF CENTERFUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the grand opening of 
CenterFuse in Manassas, Virginia, an innovative business accelerator 
that will allow individuals, entrepreneurs, start-up companies, and 
established firms to lease office space and conference rooms. This 
state of the art facility is equipped with brand new office and 
conference equipment, including smart televisions, fast wifi, and a 
fully functional kitchen. While offering some of the most modern 
technology, and yet at the same time being situated in Old Town 
Manassas, CenterFuse will provide the residents of Virginia's 10th 
Congressional District with 24/7 access to a unique combination of 
advanced technology and a relaxed and familiar setting.
  The idea for CenterFuse was originally conceived by Gail and Bennet 
Whitlock, of Whitlock Financial, and Jacqueline and Ken Krick, of ECU 
Communications, who formed an LLC to purchase the Hyson Building in 
Manassas on the corner of Center Street and Main Street. The two firms 
have their own offices upstairs, but below, where the Fauquier Bank 
once stood, they built CenterFuse. To fund the construction of 
CenterFuse, they formed a public-private partnership with the City of 
Manassas, receiving a $200,000 grant from Manassas City leaders. The 
day-to-day operations will be overseen by Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) 
and their Executive Director/CEO, Debbie Haight, and under her 
leadership, HMI will manage the office's front desk, organize classes 
and activities, and lead the recruiting efforts for new clients.
  In today's competitive economy, many small companies and individuals 
require modern workspaces, yet often find it difficult to secure or 
maintain an office. CenterFuse will ameliorate this problem by offering 
a variety of options for businesses, ranging from year-long leases for 
private offices to co-working day passes. This will enable these 
growing businesses or individuals to work in an environment that caters 
to their specific needs.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the 
Grand Opening of CenterFuse. It is my hope that CenterFuse will help 
Virginia's 10th Congressional District to continue to be a catalyst for 
new businesses to thrive. I am very thankful for the broad range of 
opportunities it will afford my constituents and I look forward to the 
positive impact it will have on individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses 
and our commonwealth as a whole.

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